An aircraft uses trajectory-based control algorithms for blade pitch (or twist). This approach greatly enhances the ability of the actuator to accurately achieve the desired blade pitch and to track the commanded pitch position. An actuator includes an electronic rotor blade controller that converts communicated or desired changes in pitch (or similar parameter) to actual physical effects that match the desired changes as closely as possible. The controller preferably includes a motor drive circuit, such as an h-bridge, a communication circuit for connection to external commands, and a processor with associated enabling circuitry (e.g. memory, I/O) to coordinate and implement the control.

Devices and methods for activating a flight-enable beacon configured to provide a light beacon or data signal comprising capability to establish and maintain a fixed set of coordinates. The flight-enabled beacon is configured with a processor, memory, motor, gimbal or swashplate and light emitting source and can be configured to attain and maintain a target altitude and emit a light over a fixed period of time. The flight-enabled beacon is configured to be light and with small form factor for easy portable transport in cases of emergency or to provide a signal easily locatable by parties located a distance from the activated light-enabled beacon.

Devices and methods for activating a flight-enable beacon configured to provide a light beacon or data signal comprising capability to establish and maintain a fixed set of coordinates. The flight-enabled beacon is configured with a processor, memory, motor, gimbal or swashplate and light emitting source and can be configured to attain and maintain a target altitude and emit a light over a fixed period of time. The flight-enabled beacon is configured to be light and with small form factor for easy portable transport in cases of emergency or to provide a signal easily locatable by parties located a distance from the activated light-enabled beacon.

A vehicle includes a first rotor system having a rotor blade having an axis of rotation, a rotatable inboard drive component, and a rotatable outboard drive component. The first rotor system further includes a flexible closed loop component associated with each of the inboard drive component and the outboard drive component. Movement of the closed loop component can selectively cause at least one of rotation of the rotor blade about the axis of rotation and movement of the axis of rotation.

A vehicle includes a first rotor system having a rotor blade having an axis of rotation, a rotatable inboard drive component, and a rotatable outboard drive component. The first rotor system further includes a flexible closed loop component associated with each of the inboard drive component and the outboard drive component. Movement of the closed loop component can selectively cause at least one of rotation of the rotor blade about the axis of rotation and movement of the axis of rotation.

A flow control method is a flow control method of controlling flow around a blade of a rotary wing, a plasma actuator being disposed at the blade. The flow control method includes: determining a characteristic frequency ratio that is a characteristic value among frequency ratios, each of the frequency ratios being a ratio between an actuator driving frequency and an angle of attack changing frequency, the actuator driving frequency being a frequency of an applied voltage applied to the plasma actuator, the angle of attack changing frequency being a frequency at which an angle of attack of the blade changes in accordance with a rotation angle of the blade; setting the actuator driving frequency such that the frequency ratio becomes the characteristic frequency ratio; and applying a voltage of the set actuator driving frequency to the plasma actuator to control the flow around the blade.

Provided are a flap drive device and a rotorcraft blade, and more particularly, a flap drive device using a two-section link mechanism, which may be applied to a rotorcraft blade, and a rotorcraft blade including the same.

Provided are a flap drive device and a rotorcraft blade, and more particularly, a flap drive device using a two-section link mechanism, which may be applied to a rotorcraft blade, and a rotorcraft blade including the same.

A rotor system includes a rotor hub, a plurality of rotor blades supported by the rotor hub, and a fairing mounted to the rotor hub. The fairing includes an external surface exposed to an external airflow and an internal surface defining an interior portion. One or more heat generating components are arranged in the interior portion. A cooling system is arranged in the interior portion. The cooling system includes a first heat exchanger thermally connected to each of the one or more heat generating components, a second heat exchanger mounted to the fairing, and at least one fluid conduit extending therebetween so as to remove heat generated by each of the one or more heat generating components.

A rotor system includes a rotor hub, a plurality of rotor blades supported by the rotor hub, and a fairing mounted to the rotor hub. The fairing includes an external surface exposed to an external airflow and an internal surface defining an interior portion. One or more heat generating components are arranged in the interior portion. A cooling system is arranged in the interior portion. The cooling system includes a first heat exchanger thermally connected to each of the one or more heat generating components, a second heat exchanger mounted to the fairing, and at least one fluid conduit extending therebetween so as to remove heat generated by each of the one or more heat generating components.