Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) Program summary

: The Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) Program was initiated to advance the state-of-the-art for rotorcraft transmissions. The goal of the ART Program was to develop and demonstrate the technologies needed to reduce transmission weight by 25 percent and reduce noise by 10 dB while obtaining a 5000-hr meantime-between-removal. This paper summarizes the research done at Sikorsky Aircraft under the ART Program. A split path design was selected as best able to meet the program goals. Key component technologies needed for this design were identified, studied, and developed. Two of these technologies are discussed in detail: the load sharing of split path designs including the use of a compliant elastomeric torque splitter and the application of a high ratio, low pitch line velocity gear mesh. Development of an angular contact spherical roller bearing, transmission error analysis, and fretting fatigue testing are discussed. The technologies for a lightweight, quiet, and reliable rotorcraft transmission have been demonstrated.