Design and Analysis of Folding Mechanism for a Horizontal Stabilizer in a Helicopter

An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is a multi-role and multi-mission helicopter for army, air force, navy, coastguard and civil operations. For the navy, the ALH has to be accommodated inside the hangar in a ship’s deck. The hangar doesn’t accommodate the ALH and for its accommodation inside the hangar, the tail boom and horizontal stabilizer of the ALH is folded. The horizontal stabilizer is split and two machine ribs are placed at the split area where a hinge mechanism is used with a locking pin for the movement of the horizontal stabilizer (moving and non- moving segment). Two Eye and Fork End combination is used. Fork End is placed at the non-moving segment of the horizontal stabilizer, whereas Eye End is placed at the moving segment. Eye End is rotated with respect to Fork End hinge point. A detailed designing of all mechanisms involved in this context is carried out and analysis of all individual components is done. Suitable ‘Airworthy’ material has to be selected. A mechanism has to be developed in such a way that the locking pin has to be in its engaged condition when the ALH is in positive flight condition.