Retrofit blade controls may enhance the performance, and reduce both acoustic emissions and blade-induced vibrations of suitably equipped rotorcraft over baseline vehicles. Since this capability could be achieved using technology that does not require the re-blading of an existing helicopter, a significant commercial product improvement program for a variety of aircraft would be possible. Military operators would also realize improved mission capability and reduced aircraft downtime with these anticipated improvements.
Having the capability to alter the spanwise camber of rotor blades could be used to investigate aeromechanics issues of rotorcraft that could lead to the development of optimal operational profiles to maximize the utility and cost-effectiveness of existing and future helicopter designs incorporating these control features.
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