10 Revolutionary Breakthroughs in Helicopter Rotor Systems - #7 Will Leave Competitors in Despair

3. Bearingless Main Rotor System

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The bearingless main rotor design eliminated the need for the complex hub assemblies traditionally required for blade articulation. By utilizing flexbeams and torque tubes, this system significantly enhances reliability by reducing the number of moving parts, cutting maintenance costs by up to 80%. The streamlined design also reduces aerodynamic drag, improving fuel efficiency and maximum speeds. Modern bearingless rotors are increasingly popular in both military and civilian applications, offering exceptional stability in challenging environments and precise control response. The reduction in maintenance hours alone has been estimated to save operators millions of dollars per aircraft annually.