Future Advanced Rotorcraft Drive System (FARDS) Full Scale Gearbox Demonstration

The Future Advanced Rotorcraft Drive System (FARDS) program focused on improving the performance and affordability of current aircraft drive systems. During the course of the program eighteen enabling technologies were developed to achieve these objectives within an existing helicopter transmission system. The transmission system was designed to enhance the Bell 407 light commercial aircraft configuration which has a similar configuration to the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Full scale main rotor gearbox testing was completed in 2016, which demonstrated many of these enabling technologies to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6. The demonstration testing was designed to closely follow the civil certification process (similar to military qualification testing), and included gear tooth pattern development, gear tooth bending fatigue, endurance, and three loss-of-lubrication tests. This testing successfully demonstrated a significant improvement in drive system technologies. The developed technologies are now ready to transition to future rotorcraft, such as Future Vertical Lift.