PRESENT SITUATION AND PROSPECTS OF HELICOPTER TECHNOLOGY

First of all, the history of helicopter technology is reviewed. Through analyzing the five features of a helicopter including the performance of the helicopter engine, the technology of rotor, the design technology of the helicopter structure, the architecture and characteristics of avionics system, and the general performance of helicopter, the main features of the development of the helicopter technology are summarized. Making these as the criteria, the development of the helicopter is divided into four generations the first time in the circle of helicopter. At the same time, this paper provides the prospects of the development trends of the helicopter technology in the new century, such as the helicopter key system-rotor system technology, the aerodynamics, the anti-torque system, the avionics system, the helicopter dynamics, the helicopter simulation, the general performance of helicopters, etc.