Page 92 - Aeronautical Engineer Data Book

Aeronautical definitions 71
4.3 Helicopter terminology
Table 4.3 Helicopter terminology and acronyms
AAH Advanced attack helicopter.
ABC Advancing-blade concept.
ACT Active-control(s) technology.
AH Attack helicopter.
ALH Advanced light helicopter.
ARTI Advanced rotorcraft technology integration.
ASW Anti-submarine warfare.

CH Cargo helicopter.
collective The mode of control in which the pitch of all
rotor blades changes simultaneously (applies to main or
tail rotor).
coning angle Angle between the longitudinal axis of a
main-rotor blade and the tip-path plane.
cyclic The mode of control which varies blade pitch (main
rotor only).
drag hinge Hinge permitting a rotor blade to pivot to the
front and rear in its plane of rotation.
elastomeric bearing A bearing containing an elastomeric
material (e.g. rubber).
FADEC Full-authority digital engine control.
FBL Fly-by-light; the use of optical fibres to carry coded
light signals to convey main flight-control demands.
FBW Fly-by-wire; the use of electric cables to convey flight-
control demands in the form of variable electric currents.
Fenestron Aérospatiale tail rotor with multiple small
blades shrouded in the centre of the tail fin. Often known
as ‘fan in tail’.
flapping hinge Hinge which allows the tip of a rotor blade
to pivot normal to the plane of rotation.
ground effect The effect of having a solid flat surface
close beneath a hovering helicopter.
gyrostabilized Mounted on gimbals (pivots) and held in a
constant attitude, irrespective of how the helicopter
manoeuvres.
HAR Helicopter, air rescue (also ASR; Air Sea Rescue).
HELRAS Helicopter long-range active sonar.
HH Search and rescue helicopter (US).
HIGE Helicopter in ground effect.
HISOS Helicopter integrated sonics system.
HLH Heavy-lift helicopter.
hub The centre of a main or tail rotor to which the blades
are attached.
HUD Head-up display; cockpit instrument which projects
on to a glass screen.
IGE In ground effect; as if the helicopter had the ground
immediately beneath it.