
Mechanical Solution to Enable Individual Blade Control for RotorcraftAward last edited on: 3/23/2025
Sponsored Program
SBIRAwarding Agency
DOD : NavyTotal Award Amount
$1,242,274Award Phase
2Solicitation Topic Code
N231-017Principal Investigator
Aaron TollyCompany Information
Wolf Technical Services Inc
13097 Parkside Drive
Fishers, IN 46038
Fishers, IN 46038
(317) 842-6075 |
client_relations@wolftechnical.com |
www.wolftechnical.com |
Location: Single
Congr. District: 05
County: Hamilton
Congr. District: 05
County: Hamilton
Phase I
Contract Number: N68335-23-C-0533Start Date: 8/31/2023 Completed: 3/1/2024
Phase I year
2023Phase I Amount
$242,622Benefit:
Development of a highly reliable power transmission mechanism will enable integration of Independent Blade Control (IBC) into future rotorcraft systems. Current designs for IBC implementation add additional complexity and unproven parts into the rotor blade control system which decreases reliability. By utilizing similar, proven mechanical mechanisms, Individual Blade Control (IBC) can successfully be implemented into future rotorcraft while maintaining similar system reliability to conventional designs. Research shows that implementation of IBC can offer benefits including increased performance, improved handling qualities, extended component life, improved ride quality, reduced noise, and more. These performance advantages can be realized in both conventional rotorcraft markets as well as the fast-growing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market.
Keywords:
Rotorcraft, Rotorcraft, Higher Harmonic Control, Individual Blade Control, Fault Tolerant Flight Control, Future Vertical Lift, Swashplate
Phase II
Contract Number: N68335-25-C-0003Start Date: 10/7/2024 Completed: 4/14/2027
Phase II year
2025Phase II Amount
$999,652Benefit:
Development of a highly reliable power transmission mechanism will enable integration of Independent Blade Control (IBC) into future rotorcraft systems. Current designs for IBC implementation add additional complexity and unproven parts into the rotor blade control system which decreases reliability. By utilizing similar, proven mechanical mechanisms, Individual Blade Control (IBC) can successfully be implemented into future rotorcraft while maintaining similar system reliability to conventional designs. Research shows that implementation of IBC can offer benefits including increased performance, improved handling qualities, extended component life, improved ride quality, reduced noise, and more. These performance advantages can be realized in both conventional rotorcraft markets as well as the fast-growing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market.
Keywords:
Swashplate, Higher Harmonic Control, Future Vertical Lift, Individual Blade Control, Fault Tolerant Flight Control, Rotorcraft