In the aerospace context, a rotor refers to a rotating component in a mechanical system, such as an aircraft or helicopter, that generates lift and propulsion.
Rotors are typically found on aircraft such as helicopters and tiltrotor aircrafts.
Examples of rotors in the aerospace context include:
- Main rotor, which is the primary rotor that generates lift on a helicopter.
- Tail rotor, which is a small rotor located at the tail of a helicopter, and is used to counteract the torque effect of the main rotor.
- Propellers, which are rotors that generate thrust on an aircraft.
- Fan blades, which are rotors that compress air in a jet engine, providing the propulsion force needed to fly.
The rotor blades are usually made of lightweight materials such as composites and they are designed with aerodynamic shapes to generate lift or thrust. The rotors are powered by engines and they are controlled by the pilot or by the flight control system to provide the necessary lift and propulsion for the aircraft.
Examples of aircraft that use rotors are helicopters, such as the Bell 407, Eurocopter EC135, and the Sikorsky S-76, and tiltrotor aircrafts like the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and the Airbus VSR700. Rotors are also used in other aerospace applications, such as wind turbines and drones.