https://youtu.be/jJUgmeSYox4
press release
From
the creation of the first certified commercial helicopter to
introducing tiltrotor technology, Bell’s iconic legacy consists of
revolutionary ideas that have disrupted industries. Today we continue
this pursuit for coveted vertical lift products, evident through our
unveiling of Bell's Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque (EDAT),
an unconventional tail rotor with innumerable opportunities. In a
Vertical Flight Society online webinar on Nov. 16, Bell’s Program
Director for Light Aircraft, Eric Sinusas, shared potential applications
for this latest innovation. “I think it has potential to potentially
replace them [traditional tail rotors],” Sinusas said. “There are
benefits to the system that the conventional system just does not have
innately.”
This unprecedented technology
was revealed in February 2020, sparking global interest from rotorcraft
community and technology aficionados for its ingenuity. Since then,
Bell continues to test the unique concept, which includes four
electrical motors driving a fixed-pitch, rpm-controlled fan capable of
operating speeds around 6,000 to 7,000 rpm. “I think we can say that we
have successfully proven the concept… it works,” Sinusas says. “Now
we’re into the phase of optimization and we’re fine-tuning the
performance characteristics, pushing the envelope further.”
After
participating in the VFS forum, Aviation Week clarified how EDAT’s
technology offers an enhanced experience in terms of extra flight
operational support and cost. “The fans are driven by generators run off
the tail rotor drive, with wires to the electrical motors replacing the
complex tail rotor shaft and gearboxes running through the tail boom.
This eliminates the cost of maintaining the tail rotor shaft.”
With
growing global intrigue, Bell can’t wait to showcase this aircraft in
action and continue exploring new technology to offer our customers
enhanced flight experiences.
