Patent ID: 8192159
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. A rigid rotor assembly configured to allow rotation of helicopter rotor blades attached to the rigid rotor assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position, the rigid rotor assembly comprising: a) a base comprising a shaft extending therethrough; b) a first spindle comprising a first aperture, the first spindle configured to engage the shaft, the first spindle further configured to have a first plurality of rotor blades attached thereto; and c) a second spindle comprising a second aperture and a third aperture, the second spindle configured to have a second plurality of rotor blades attached thereto, the second spindle further configured for placement onto the shaft, the second spindle operable to maintain the second plurality of rotor blades in a deployed position with respect to the first plurality of rotor blades via a first retention pin inserted through the first aperture and the second aperture, the second spindle further operable to maintain the second plurality of rotor blades in a stowed position with respect to the first plurality of rotor blades by removing the first retention pin from the first aperture and the second aperture and inserting the first retention pin or a second pin through the first aperture and the third aperture.