Modelling and dynamic analysis of a synchropter

This paper addresses the flight dynamics modelling, trim, and dynamic analysis of an intermeshing-rotor helicopter, indicated as synchropter. This configuration has gained a great interest for its suitability within heavy load lifting and transportation in extreme high temperature and altitude, and other harsh environments. The paper presents some relevant features related to synchropter's flight dynamics modelling of the interference between its two tilted main rotors. Trim results show the advantage of the synchropter in forward flight where the yawing moment is naturally balanced at almost all speeds and no lateral-directional compensation is needed. The synchropter's dynamic stability shows similarity to a conventional helicopter in the longitudinal phugoid. However, in the lateral phugoid, the synchropter is unstable at all flying speeds and therefore its vertical fin needs to be carefully designed.