Not all aircraft rely on lifting surfaces to generate lift. Some of them use rotating blades, instead. Known as rotorcraft, they play an important role in modern aviation. Rotorcraft include helicopters, gyroplanes and quadcopters. While there are nuances between them, all rotorcraft use rotating blades to generate lift. Here are six facts about rotorcraft.
#1) Vertical Takeoffs and Landings
Helicopters — the most common type of rotorcraft — have the ability to take off and land vertically. This is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopters feature a main rotor system that generates a downward thrust. Using this main rotor system, helicopters can take off and land vertically. The main rotor system will essentially “blow” air downward, which pushes the helicopter up.
#2) Not as Fast as Fixed-Wing Aircraft
They may offer a safe and reliable means of transportation, but rotorcraft aren’t as fast as fixed-wing aircraft. Fixed-wing aircraft have a cruising speed of roughly 150 to 600 mph, depending on the size and type. Most helicopters, on the other hand, have a cruising speed of roughly 95 to 160 mph.
#3) Used in Emergency and Military Operations
Rotorcraft are used extensively in emergency and military operations. They are commonly used to transport injured people from accident scenes to hospitals. The Coast Guard also uses helicopters for search and rescue. Law enforcement and military branches regularly use helicopters as well.
#4) Improved Stability
When compared to fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft are typically more stable. They can handle wind gusts and inclement weather better than their fixed-wing counterparts. This is because, unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and similar types of rotorcraft can easily adjust their flight position to compensate for bad weather.
#5) Rotorcraft Have One or Two Rotors
Most types of rotorcraft have either one or two rotors. A rotor is a set of rotating blades. Helicopters feature two rotors: one rotor on the top and another rotor system on the tail. Alternatively, some helicopters feature two rotors on the top that rotate in opposite directions. Monocopters or gyrocopters, on the other hand, only have a single rotor.
#6) The First Helicopter Took Off in the 1930s
While there were experimental helicopters prior to this, the world’s first fully functional helicopter was the VS-300. Designed by Igor Sikorsky in 1939, it features a single three-blade rotor. A small 75-horsepower engine powered this rotor, allowing the VS-300 to generate lift.
