Research and Development

ZF Luftfahrttechnik´s Research and Development activities are focused on new technologies applied to the design of transmissions and to the development of modern flight control systems for helicopters. These projects are either self-financed or funded through military development contracts or partly subsidized within the framework of National and European Research Programs.

Concerning the transmission technology ZFL participates in programs for the development of high-performance helicopter and tilt rotor aircraft gearboxes. This also includes a new transmission architecture based on the principle of the “Integrated Dynamic System” (IDS). The applied technologies comprise transmission housings of fibre reinforced composites, the application of face gears, new teeth coatings and the usage of alternative lubricants.

In the field of flight controls ZFL has developed several Individual Blade Control (IBC) systems. In close partnership with the major helicopter manufacturers, those systems have successfully been tested during multiple wind tunnel and flight test campaigns. IBC provides a considerable reduction of vibrations, radiated noise, rotor power required, and control system loads. Furthermore, ZFL investigates integrated control systems which combine both primary control and IBC using individual - preferably electrical – actuators, one per blade mounted in the rotating frame. This technology allows to design true “fly-by-wire” swashplateless helicopter control systems.

Last Update: 18.02.2008