I’m watching videos of rescue helicopters and noticed that some have their blades form a cone when flying low in bodies of water. This doesn’t seem to happen often on land so why in water?
In: Physics
Rotor systems cone based on how much power is applied at the time. Often when you see videos of helicopters flying low over water, it’s because they’re moving slower. At slower speeds, more power is required compared to traveling speeds. Generally anything above 16-24 knots, the rotor operates in “clean air” and is more efficient, and then needs less power to maintain the same altitude.
If the helicopter is hovering higher (greater than 1 rotor disc generally speaking) that also requires more power, which means more coning.
Rotor systems will also cone more if the helicopter is heavy, if it’s hot outside or at higher altitudes.
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