articulated rotor

articulated rotor

A rotor in which the individual blades are free to flap (i.e., move up and down), drag (i.e., move back and forth in the plane of rotation), and change their pitch angle independently. This is done by mounting the blades on flapping and drag hinges and pitch change bearings. Articulated rotors permit high air speed, have high lift capability, and are suitable for high maneuverability helicopters. They do not suffer from mast bumping problems but are susceptible to ground resonance and are sensitive to the Coriolis force.