Controllable Swashplate

A controllable swashplate, also known as a collective pitch control system, is a mechanical component used in helicopters to control the pitch of the rotor blades. It consists of a rotating plate with a series of linkages and control arms that connect to the rotor blades.

The main purpose of a controllable swashplate is to change the angle of attack of the rotor blades as they rotate, which in turn controls the lift and thrust generated by the rotor system. By adjusting the pitch of the blades, the pilot can control the altitude, speed, and direction of the helicopter.

The controllable swashplate works by translating the pilot's input from the flight controls into mechanical movements that change the pitch of the rotor blades. This is achieved through a combination of cyclic, collective, and throttle inputs.

Cyclic input refers to the control inputs that allow the pilot to tilt the rotor disc in a specific direction, enabling the helicopter to move forward, backward, left, or right. The controllable swashplate translates these inputs into differential pitch changes across the rotor disc, creating varying amounts of lift on different parts of the rotor blades.

Collective input, on the other hand, is used to change the overall pitch of all the rotor blades simultaneously. By adjusting the collective pitch, the pilot can increase or decrease the lift generated by the rotor system, allowing the helicopter to ascend or descend.

Throttle input controls the engine power, which affects the rotational speed of the rotor blades. The controllable swashplate works in conjunction with the throttle input to maintain a constant rotor speed while adjusting the pitch of the blades.

Overall, the controllable swashplate is a critical component in helicopter flight control systems, allowing pilots to have precise control over the pitch of the rotor blades and, consequently, the helicopter's flight characteristics.