The test facility will be available and will be able to measure the relevant properties of the rotor blades in the RNLAF inventory, to support more efficient Rotor Track & Balance procedures.

Virtual RTB and optimisation is developed and available in the rotor simulation tool. Validation with data from operational RTB sessions can now be done. A new design based on latest finding of the simulation and sensitivity studies has led to a more efficient, lean and more functional design of the measuring facility. The functional design is frozen and is set to be manufactured.

The properties of recently introduced ‘trailing edge wedges’ on rotor blades have been included in the flow analyses.

A full set of the aerodynamic properties of the apache rotor blade, including the trim tab influence, has been provided which provides the input for blade aerodynamic influence on the RTB process.

Simulation model for the calculation of loads and accelerations in a complete helicopter has become available, enabling analyses of the rotor track and balancing activities.

The simulation model for the calculation of the structural blade and hub loads in an isolated rotor has become available, enabling the start of the rotor balancing analyses.

Base specifications for a static rotor blade measurement facility are available, enabling the start of the facility’s design and development.

The Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopter has been chosen as demonstration platform for the analyses.