Bell studies new tail-rotor concept

The head of Bell’s new X-Worx center in Arlington, Texas, told AIN that his team is working on a new type of anti-torque device that is “unlike anything you have seen before.”

Vice president Dan McIlroy said that, since developing the oversized MAPL tailfan under test on a Bell 407 during the summer, “alternative anti-torque systems have presented better opportunities to increase the forward and sideways speed of the aircraft, use less power than even a conventional tail rotor and reduce noise by four or five decibels.”
McIlroy added that he hopes to reveal more at the American Helicopter Society symposium, which will be held in Grapevine, Texas, from June 1 to 3.