Helicopter Transmissions—design for Safety and Reliability

Recent improvements in design and component technologies are reviewed against a background of accident data analysis, resulting in grounds for confidence in higher safety levels in future rotorcraft transmission designs. Recommendations are made concerning the realization of significant safety and reliability benefits afforded by effective health and usage monitoring systems. The results of this study are applicable to all new aerospace gearbox applications including helicopters, tilt-rotor aircraft, advanced propeller engines and accessory drive systems.