Aviation

The day Concorde flew into the history books

Concord the history of supersonic planes

commercial aviation took a supersonic leap into the future fifty years ago, when Concorde made its maiden flight.

The roar of the engines is deafening as the flight crew push them to maximum power. After a long wait, cheers of encouragement and rippling applause reach fever pitch and Concorde 001 thunders majestically into the skies above Toulouse.

It’s 3.38pm on 2 March 1969 and the first page in the history of supersonic commercial aviation has just been written. As Concorde’s four Olympus 593 turbines carry the aircraft into the distance the joy of the technicians, engineers, employees and onlookers witnessing the moment is plain to see. Six hundred journalists from around the world are at hand to report how ‘old Europe’ has met the challenge of melding speed and technology in service of passenger transport.

https://youtu.be/8um1r34wQkM

The maiden flight, described by captain André Turcat as ‘a trip around the runway’ lasted just 29 minutes and did not exceed 480 kph. Alongside Turcat the crew consisted of flight mechanic Michel Rétif, flight engineer Henri Perrier and co-pilot Jacques Guignard.

On the other side of the Channel captain Brian Trubshaw, co-pilot John Cochrane and flight mechanic Brian Watts coaxed Concorde 002 into the skies between Filton and Fairford for its first flight, even shorter at 22 minutes, on 9 April that same year.

Concorde 001 first broke the sound barrier in October 1969 and reached Mach 2 during its 102^nd test flight, with its English ‘brother’ achieving the same one week later. The Franco-British cooperation programme had been signed by French ambassador Geoffroy de Courcel and British aviation minister Julian Amery on 29 November 1962. It confirmed the industrial agreement between Sud Aviation and the British Aircraft Corporation outlined a month earlier. The agreement committed the two countries to a 50:50 share of Concorde’s research and assembly costs.

It took seven years to arrive at the first flight that March afternoon. Many innovations resulted, from electronic flight controls and the first cockpit sidestick to anti-skid braking systems and the movement of fuel around the aircraft in flight to adjust its centre of gravity. The experience the French and British gained during Concorde’s development meant some pitfalls were avoided when Airbus was created – such as the politically-motivated dual assembly lines, one in each country.

A further seven years were necessary before Concorde entered commercial service, in 1976. In all 16 aircraft were built and they were operated by Air France and British Airways alone. The tragic – and the type’s only – crash at Gonesse near Paris in 2000 marked the end of operations, three years later.

For over 30 years, supersonic travel made commercial aviation faster. Today it takes around seven hours to cross the Atlantic by plane; Concorde took half that time.

Aviation

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.

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.

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.

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.