Patent ID: 9079659
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a rotorcraft comprising an airframe, a power plant connected to the airframe, and a rotor supported by the airframe, and powered by the power plant, the rotor comprising a hub portion and blades extending from the hub portion operating as rotary wings; a hub fairing completely enclosing the hub of the rotor against the airframe to provide a substantially completely enclosed aerodynamic structure about the hub; a blade fairing extending from proximate the hub fairing and extending along a blade presenting an aerodynamic shape, closed against flow therethrough by ambient air; the hub fairing further comprising a plurality of extensions, each extension including a convex spherical surface matched to a proximal surface of the blade fairing; the blade fairing further comprising a concave spherical surface disposed at the proximal end thereof and mated to the convex spherical surface of the hub fairing to substantially preclude passage of air therethrough; and a seal extending between the hub fairing and the blade fairing to resist entry of material into the space between the hub fairing and the blade fairing.