During rotor engagement or disengagement operations of a helicopter there exists an imbalance between the aerodynamic and inertia forces which in severe wind conditions, typical of shipboard aviation, can lead to excessive blade excursions and/or structural loads. The phenomenon is widely known as blade sailing which in severe cases can lead to 'tunnel-strikes'. The ability to control these blade excursions could lead to a significant increase in the operational envelope of the shipborne helicopter or alternatively could reduce the likelihood of damage to the aircraft. This paper considers the use of a trailing edge flap for the reduction of the blade sailing phenomenon.

This paper is located in the AHS International 63rd Annual Forum (TL716 .A1 A512 2007 VOL.1).