Sagita Helicopters
Machinedesign 5938 Helicopter Sagita3 0
Machinedesign 5938 Helicopter Sagita3 0
Machinedesign 5938 Helicopter Sagita3 0
Machinedesign 5938 Helicopter Sagita3 0
Machinedesign 5938 Helicopter Sagita3 0

Innovative copter sports double-rotor design

July 11, 2013
Sagita  takes a unique approach to helicopter design by using dual counter-rotating rotors each powered by separate concentric turbines.
Sagita has built an RC model of its concept.

A new helicopter concept with less complex mechanics aims to make aviation safer, simpler, and easier to maintain. Sagita Helicopters in Belgium is behind the design known as REDT (Direct Turbine Driven Rotor).

Unlike contemporary helicopters that use a tail rotor and gearbox, REDT needs neither of these components. At this point Sagita has only built an RC scale model of its concept, not a full-sized version. The concept uses a fuselage-mounted compressor to pressurize air for two concentric turbines that drive counter-rotating blades. The use of two rotors that spin in opposite directions eliminates the need to have a gearbox that manipulates hinged blades.

Sagita Helicopters described its concept for rotor drives at the 3rd European Conference for Aero-Space Sciences. Its technical outline of diagrams and conclusion of flight tests seem to explain more of the advantages and disadvantages, though it is a work in progress.
Lowering the number of moving parts for the REDT helps reduce maintenance and improves mechanical reliability. One of the most common helicopter complications REDT avoids is “dead man’s curve.” Pilots flying outside of this height-velocity performance curve when the tail rotor over speeds might not be able to make a safe landing.

Other advantages include ease of handling because the rotor does not transmit torque to the fuselage, an estimated 10% more power available to the rotor because the engine is supercharged; plus no noise from a gearbox, which makes for a more comfortable flying experience.

However the engine has overheated during some flight tests and developers are looking for a cause and a cure.
Watch the demo below of Sagita’s scale model’s flight test.

Sponsored Recommendations

NEW Low Profile, Ultra Compact Power Supplies

March 13, 2024
Learn more HERE about Altech's Power supplies!

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!