What is the purpose of a twisted blade?

Prepare for your Helicopter PPL Checkride Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your pilot examination!

The purpose of a twisted blade in a helicopter's rotor system is primarily to create a variation in lift distribution along the length of the rotor blade. By twisting the blade, the pitch angle at the root (near the rotor shaft) is greater than at the tip. This design helps to balance the lift across the blade's span, allowing for more lift to be generated closer to the rotor hub and less lift towards the tips.

This twist is crucial because rotor blades experience varying speeds along their length; the tips travel faster than the root due to the rotation of the blade. Without this twist, the tips could generate excessive lift compared to the root, leading to performance issues such as blade stall and inefficiency. The twisted blade design helps ensure that the lift is evenly distributed, enhancing overall rotor performance and stability during flight.

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