Helicopter Rotor Rotation

Tools 'n' Tips Article by Lou Anatrella on Feb 1 2011

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Generally speaking, in US/Canadian/UK built helicopters the rotors turn counterclockwise, when viewed from above.  In tandem rotor helicopters, the forward rotor turns counterclockwise. In European built helicopters, the opposite is true.

In doing a little research for this article, I found at least one exception to this rule, the Sud Aviation/Aerospatiale Super Frelon.  Apparently, the rotor turns counterclockwise on this machine.

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USA/Canada/UK

01.jpg - Sikorsky H-19B
02.jpg - Sikorsky MH-53J
03.jpg - Sikorsky  H-53E
04.jpg - Brantly 305
05.jpg - Sikorsky S-62
06.jpg - Vertol 107
07.jpg - Sikorsky MH-60G
08.jpg -  Bell HU-1B (Display, after a Florida hurricane)

European

09.jpg - Eurocopter EC-155
10.jpg - Russian MIL helicopters
11.jpg - Eurocopter EC-225
12.jpg - Eurocopter HH-65A
13.jpg – MIL MI 26
14.jpg – Aerospatiale Alouett III
15.jpg – Aerospatiale Super Frelon

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I hopes this helps folks when building their helicopters.

Lou Anatrella

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Photos and text © by Lou Anatrella