Is 'Airwolf' possible with our current technology? (Supersonic Helicopter)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a supersonic helicopter similar to 'Airwolf' from the television show, focusing on the technological and aerodynamic challenges involved. Participants explore theoretical designs, limitations of current helicopter technology, and the implications of transitioning from rotor-based flight to supersonic speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that turning off the rotor and stowing the blades could make a supersonic helicopter feasible, but this would require significant modifications to the aircraft's design.
  • Others argue that achieving supersonic speeds would necessitate adding wings and other structures, leading to a design that may not resemble a traditional helicopter.
  • A participant estimates that transitioning from helicopter to supersonic mode could take several minutes, raising concerns about the practicality of such a design.
  • Some express skepticism about the need for a Mach 2 helicopter, questioning its utility compared to existing aircraft.
  • There are proposals for using advanced materials and technologies, such as carbon fiber and AI, to address stability issues and enhance performance.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges of rotor disc balance and fuselage stability during supersonic flight.
  • Participants discuss the limitations of helicopter speed due to factors like retreating blade stall and dissymmetry of lift.
  • Some express doubt about the possibility of a supersonic helicopter, suggesting it may remain a dream rather than a practical reality.
  • References to existing aircraft designs, such as the Harrier and F-35, are made to illustrate the complexities of supersonic flight and vertical takeoff capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of a supersonic helicopter, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining about the design and technological requirements.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved technical challenges, assumptions about the transition between flight modes, and the dependence on advanced materials and technologies that may not yet be fully developed.

  • #61
phinds said:
Asking a question that makes no sense doesn't make any point that I can see.
Maybe someone else does seem to understand
But i really dont want to bring out the crayons to make you understand
 
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  • #62
airwolflover said:
Maybe someone else does seem to understand
But i really dont want to bring out the crayons to make you understand
Please watch the attitude. Thanks.
 
  • #63
berkeman said:
Please watch the attitude. Thanks.
I appolagice
 
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  • #64
So if i stil may continue?...
The main fusalage is the main displacer/mass body.
It will create the mach angle (at mach 1 its around a 90 degree angle at mach 2 its around a 30 degree angle)
In most cases the rotor is mounted at the top helicopter and the blades sticking beyond the nose of the main fuselage
So even when going under the speed of sound the blades are past and out mach angle
And that fine i guess until we reach certain speeds.
 
  • #65
After this speed the blades needs to be in the angle and if possible the tips need to trace the maximum allowed angle the be still a aficient control surface
 
  • #66
phinds said:
What on Earth is your point with that statement? LOTS of airframes would go over mach 1 if reshaped and with no rotors, just jets engines.

Hell, if you reshaped me (it would take some work) and put a jet engine on me, I could probably go over mach 1.
So if we did this head first rocket strapped and you would keep your arms at 180 degrees at mach 1 they would be at 90 degrees or 45 degree angle each and at mach 2 30 degree from the tip of your head or going of your center bodyline 15 degrees each side
 
  • #67
This has gone beyond ridiculous. I'm outta here.
 
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  • #68
phinds said:
This has gone beyond ridiculous. I'm outta here.
Ah Come on i am trying to explain my point of vieuw nicely now 😲😳
 
  • #69
Thread closed for Moderation...
 
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  • #70
airwolflover said:
So if we did this head first rocket strapped and you would keep your arms at 180 degrees at mach 1 they would be at 90 degrees or 45 degree angle each and at mach 2 30 degree from the tip of your head or going of your center bodyline 15 degrees each side
@airwolflover -- PF is not a playground where you can throw out ideas and personal speculation. This thread is in the technical forums, so all discussion needs to be traceable to the mainstream scientific literature. There have been some good posts in this thread over the years (and some not-so-good ones), but for this thread to be reopened it would require valid references. If you or others have such references, please send me a PM (click on my avatar and "Start a conversation"). Lacking that, the thread will remain closed.
 
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