Fiber-Optic Sensing Could Transform Main Rotor Blade Technology

Tony Osborne May 06, 2020
helicopter with rotor blade sensing technology
The Bladesense system was fitted to the top of the H135’s main rotor assembly during its November 2019 ground run.
Credit: Airbus Helicopters UK
Trials of a fiber-optic-based sensing technology fitted to helicopter rotor blades could pave the way to extended blade life and even support future generations of rotorcraft flight control systems. A technology that was originally conceived to speed up international communications has been adapted...
Tony Osborne

Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines.

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