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Qantas unveils next generation cabins for 787 Dreamliner.

Qantas has unveiled what customers onboard its flagship 787-9 Dreamliner can expect when the aircraft arrives in a year’s time.

The Qantas Dreamliner will seat 236 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins in a layout that has been designed to maximise comfort for the longer distances the 787-9 is expected to fly.

The Business Suite is the next generation of the very popular seat recently installed on Qantas’ Airbus A330 fleet. These suites are known for providing a high level of privacy, made more flexible on the 787 with the ability to now adjust the divider between each seat.

The suites also have a fully-flat bed and offer plenty of space to eat, work or relax. Laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, each suite has direct aisle access as well as the ability to stay reclined during take-off and landing.

Economy passengers will also have more room – including an extra inch of seat pitch compared with the national carrier’s A380 – and an all-new seat. It features a new personal device holder and USB ports; more storage areas; a seat-back mood light designed to minimise disturbance for other passengers; and a high-definition entertainment touchscreen that is five per cent larger.

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The seats also feature an updated version of the popular Qantas ‘footnet’ first introduced on the A380, designed to cradle the legs during sleep.

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Unveiling the Business and Economy seats in Sydney today, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the interiors had been carefully designed with longer routes and changing passenger preferences in mind.

“The Dreamliner is an aircraft built for comfort. The windows are bigger, it helps reduce jetlag, it’s extremely quiet and there’s a system that smooths out turbulence. Customers are going to love it,” said Mr Joyce.

“We’re planning to make the most of the 787’s amazing range, so we’ve designed the cabin to give Qantas passengers a better experience on long haul flights.

“Many of the cabin design elements reflect what our customers have told us. Personal storage rates really highly, so we’ve created extra space in Economy for customers to store their personal devices and water bottles.

 

We’re proud that our new Economy seat includes features other carriers reserve for Premium Economy.

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“We’re also redesigning the in-flight experience for the Dreamliner, from rethinking our menus to making better use of the self-service bars during different phases of flight,” added Mr Joyce.

 

The Dreamliner cabin interiors and new economy seat, designed by Australian industrial designer David Caon, are a progression of the Qantas aesthetic established by Marc Newson.

 

 

Detail on initial Qantas Dreamliner destinations will be revealed in coming months, with the first international flights on sale before Christmas. The aircraft will gradually take over routes currently operated by the airline’s B747 fleet as well as adding new city-pairs to the Qantas International network.

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The Dreamliner’s Premium Economy cabin, which will offer a class leading experience and a revolutionary new seat, will be unveiled in early 2017.

Find out more about the features of the Qantas Dreamliner in this factsheet (opens in new window).

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Aviation

Exploring the Different Types of Helicopter Rotor Systems and the Science Behind Them

Exploring the Different Types of Helicopter Rotor Systems and the Science Behind Them

Helicopters are unique aircraft that use rotating blades, called rotors, to generate lift and enable flight. The design of these rotor systems is crucial because it affects how helicopters perform, maneuver, and respond to different flying conditions.

There are several types of helicopter rotor systems, each with its own advantages and specific uses. Understanding these systems helps us appreciate the engineering behind helicopters and their diverse capabilities, from search and rescue missions to military operations and aerial photography.

In this Video, we will explore the main types of helicopter rotor systems and how they contribute to the helicopter’s functionality and performance.

1. Single Rotor System

The single rotor system is characterized by a single main rotor blade that is responsible for generating lift. To counteract the torque produced by this rotor, a tail rotor is used. This setup is essential for maintaining directional control and stability during flight.

Uses: This design is prevalent in most conventional helicopters, including iconic models such as the Bell 206 and the Robinson R22. The simplicity of the single rotor system not only reduces mechanical complexity but also enhances efficiency. As a result, it is favored for a variety of applications, including aerial tours, law enforcement, and emergency medical services, where reliability and straightforward operation are paramount.

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2. Tandem Rotor System

The tandem rotor system features two parallel rotors of equal size that rotate in opposite directions. This counter-rotation helps to cancel out the torque that each rotor would otherwise produce, resulting in a balanced and stable flight profile.

Uses: This configuration is typically employed in heavy-lift helicopters, such as the CH-47 Chinook. The tandem design allows for an increased payload capacity and enhanced stability, making it particularly effective for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies in military operations, as well as for civilian applications like logging and construction, where heavy lifting is required.

3. Coaxial Rotor System

The coaxial rotor system consists of two rotors mounted one above the other on the same mast, rotating in opposite directions. This innovative design minimizes the need for a tail rotor, allowing for a more compact helicopter structure.

Uses: Coaxial rotor systems can be found in helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-50. This design offers several advantages, including enhanced lift capabilities, improved maneuverability, and better control in various flight conditions. These features make it particularly suitable for military applications, where agility and quick response times are crucial, as well as for specific civilian operations that require high performance in tight spaces.

4. Intermeshing Rotor System

The intermeshing rotor system consists of two rotors that rotate in opposite directions while intersecting each other, but without colliding. This unique configuration creates a highly efficient aerodynamic profile.

Uses: This system is utilized in helicopters like the Kaman K-MAX, designed specifically for heavy lifting and aerial work. The intermeshing rotors provide remarkable stability and lift capabilities, making it particularly effective for operations in confined spaces, such as urban environments or dense forests. It is ideal for missions that involve heavy external loads, including construction, firefighting, and disaster relief efforts.

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5. Transverse rotor system

The transverse rotor system has two parallel rotors that spin in opposite directions, improving lift and stability. This design enhances the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability.

A notable example of this system is the V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft that merges helicopter vertical lift with the speed of a fixed-wing plane. allowing the Osprey to operate in tough environments like urban areas and remote locations. It can carry heavy loads and personnel, making it suitable for troop transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistical support in military operations. Overall, the transverse rotor system enhances the V-22 Osprey’s effectiveness and operational flexibility.

6. Compound Rotor System

The compound rotor system combines traditional rotor systems with fixed wings and other aerodynamic features to enhance efficiency and speed. This hybrid approach allows for greater aerodynamic performance than standard rotorcraft.

Uses: Advanced helicopters like the Sikorsky X2 and Boeing’s DBF (Defiant) utilize the compound rotor system. These helicopters are designed for higher speeds and longer ranges, making them suitable for military operations, search-and-rescue missions, and law enforcement tasks where rapid response and extended operational capabilities are essential.

7. NOTAR system

NOTAR system replaces the traditional tail rotor with a ducted fan and directional airflow to counter the torque from the main rotor. It works by pushing air through the tail boom and out through side vents, creating thrust that stabilizes the helicopter. This design reduces noise, boosts safety, and cuts down on maintenance.

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Uses: The NOTAR system is found in helicopters like the MD 520N and MD 902 Explorer. Without an exposed tail rotor, it lowers the risk of rotor strikes, making it safer for operations in tight spaces. Its quieter performance is ideal for missions where low noise is needed, such as urban air operations, police work, and medical evacuations.

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