Russian Helicopters, September 24, 2018 - Specialists of the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI), named after Professor N.E. Zhukovsky, have completed studies of a new aerodynamic configuration of the main rotor for the Ansat helicopter, which is serially produced at the Kazan Helicopter Plant of Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec State Corporation.
The development will increase the load capacity of the rotorcraft by 150 to 200 kilograms (330 to 440 pounds).
In the course of the experiment, the scientists of the institute tested the rotor model in a subsonic wind tunnel — at a flow velocity from 40 to 80 meters per second and at various angles of attack. The obtained results showed that in the new configuration, a few aerodynamic characteristics have improved: the efficiency of the object under study increased by five percent, and the thrust increased 200 to 250 kg (440 to 550 lb). This does not increase the load in the helicopter control system. The work was carried out under a contract with the Kazan Helicopter Plant.
“We are grateful to our colleagues from the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute for their work aimed at improving the performance of the Ansat helicopter, which is one of the keys to the holding in the light helicopter segment, and we intend to further expand its capabilities in close cooperation with TsAGI and other partners,” said Andrei Boginsky, general director of Russian Helicopters.
“The next step is the further modernization of the aerodynamic configuration of the main rotor, as a result of which the carrying capacity of the helicopter will increase by 400 to 450 kg (880 to 990 lb), and the Ansat will not have analogs in this respect in the world, ” said Oleg Kirillov, head of the department of aerodynamics and dynamics of helicopters, corkscrew and aerodynamics of aircraft at large angles of attack of FSUE TsAGI.
In addition, TsAGI scientists are developing a new aerodynamic configuration of the helix of the helicopter, which will improve flight safety.
The Ansat is a light twin-engine helicopter on a single-screw scheme with a steering screw, developed by the design bureau of the Kazan Helicopter Plant. Passenger capacity of the aircraft is up to seven people, with a payload of 1,300 kg. The machine is used for a variety of purposes: the delivery of goods, transportation of passengers, emergency medical assistance, as well as for patrolling and conducting search-and-rescue operations.
About TsAGI: The Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2018. Founded on Dec. 1, 1918, TsAGI today is the largest state scientific center of the aviation and rocket and space industry of the Russian Federation, where the most difficult fundamental and applied problems are successfully solved in the fields of aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics and strength of aircraft structures.
TsAGI carries out state expertise of all aircraft developed in the Russian design bureau and gives a final conclusion about the possibility and safety of the first flight.