Helicopters are able to stay in the air due to the lift generated by their rotating blades. These blades are shaped in a way that creates a difference in air pressure, with the air moving faster over the curved surface of the blades and creating a lower pressure area on top. This allows the helicopter to stay airborne.
The tail rotor on a helicopter serves a crucial role in ensuring stability and control during flight. It counters the torque produced by the main rotor and prevents the helicopter from spinning uncontrollably.
Helicopters have a swashplate mechanism that allows the pilot to control the pitch of each rotor blade individually. By changing the pitch of the blades, the pilot can control the lift and direction of the helicopter, allowing it to fly in different directions and hover in place.
The maximum altitude that a helicopter can reach depends on various factors, such as the type of helicopter, its weight, and the weather conditions. Generally, helicopters can fly up to 25,000 feet, but some specialized models can reach altitudes of 40,000 feet or more.
Most helicopters use a gas turbine engine, which consists of a compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine. The compressor sucks in air and compresses it, which is then mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber. The hot gases produced by the combustion process then pass through the turbine, which powers the engine and turns the main rotor blades.