In Russia, a single-rotor helicopter with a jet control system has been invented. According to the authors' concept, control of the rotorcraft in pitch, roll, and yaw is performed by jet nozzles rather than rotor mechanics. The patent has already been registered in the FIPS database.
The advanced helicopter will have two tail booms with internal air channels. Impellers or a power fan are installed inside the fuselage, forcing airflow to controlled nozzles at the ends of the booms.
These nozzles also create the required control moments, making it possible to completely eliminate the swashplate and tail rotor.
Additionally, engineers propose placing supercirculation slot nozzles on the booms. They blow air along the tail surface and compensate for the reactive torque of the main rotor, reducing energy consumption and increasing aircraft stability.
The patent provides for two versions: one with a direct electric drive of the main rotor and one with an internal combustion engine and transmission. Both variants make it possible to simplify the rotor system, increase service life, and improve helicopter reliability.
This is far from the first unusual domestic development in the field of helicopter engineering. Quite recently, it became known that in the Russian Federation, the design of a helicopter with a turbine-driven main rotor was patented.