Some cool turbine blade manufacturers images:
Kaman K-225
Image by nipperflickr
This Kaman K-225 was the initial helicopter to fly with a gas turbine driven transmission. Turbines provided critical benefits for helicopters which includes lowered weight, improved reliability, less difficult maintenance and greater power-to-weight ratios, which permitted for larger useful loads, increased security and decrease operating charges. In 1949, Kaman constructed the K-225 industrial model, mostly for use as a crop-duster. The Navy ordered two to evaluate the positive aspects of the intermeshing rotor program and the novel blade mounted servo-flap control program.
In 1951, Kaman replaced the reciprocating engine that initially powered this K-225 with a Boeing 502-two gas turbine to demonstrate the possible of jet-powered helicopters to the Navy. The K-225 served as the prototype for Kaman’s effective HOK series of military helicopters, which incorporated a cabin in location of the open cockpit. The engine at present on the aircraft is not original.
Rotor Diameter: 11.6 m (38 ft)
Length: six.eight m (22 ft five in)
Height: 3.5 m (11 ft six in)
Weight: Empty, 816 kg (1,800 lb)
Gross, 1,225 kg (two,700 lb)
Leading Speed: 116 km/h (72 mph)
Engine: Reciprocating configuration, Lycoming O-435-A2, 220 hp
Turbine configuration, Boeing 502-two, 175 shp
Manufacturer: Kaman Aircraft Business, Windsor Locks, Conn., 1949
MIL MI-24
Image by Markusnl
"Flying tank", "Crocodile" (simply because of its profile and camouflage scheme), "Glass" (simply because of the large glass shields which surround the cockpit) or "Hind" (NATO code): the Mi-24, created by Russian helicopter manufacturer Mil, has numerous nicknames, but "flying tank" is specially apt. Her two gas turbines and the 5-blade major rotor provide higher speed as properly as intense manoeuvrability in combat. It is capable of transporting up to eight completely equipped troops, fending off enemy tanks and offering fire help. The Mi-24 entered service in 1972, because when over two,000 have been built for over 30 nations worldwide.
Its distinctive wings account for up to 25% of total lift, but aggressive turns at low speeds may possibly create a roll tendency. The whole aircraft belly, such as the fuel tanks, is heavily armoured so that troops can be dropped straight into war zones. Nonetheless, this did not aid the Mi-24 for the duration of the Soviet War in Afghanistan from 1979-1989. Afghan resistance fighters positioned themselves on top of mountains and fired at the helicopters from above as they moved through the valleys.
Airpower 13 @ Zeltweg (Czech Air Force)
(supply)