Question

The main rotor of a helicopter produces a torque of 4.8 kNm. If the tail rotor is capable of producing 720 Newtons of thrust, calculate the minimum tail rotor moment arm (in metres).

Answer 1

To calculate the minimum tail rotor moment arm, we need to use the torque equation:

Torque = Force x Moment Arm

In this case, the torque produced by the main rotor is 4.8 kNm, and the force produced by the tail rotor is 720 Newtons. So, the equation becomes:

4.8 kNm = 720 N x Moment Arm

To find the moment arm, divide both sides of the equation by 720 N:

Moment Arm = (4.8 kNm) / (720 N)

Converting the kilonewton-meters (kNm) to Newton-meters (Nm):

Moment Arm = (4.8 x 1000 Nm) / (720 N)

Simplifying:

Moment Arm = 6.667 meters

Therefore, the minimum tail rotor moment arm is 6.667 meters.