Adrodd fel Amhriodol
Testun Gwreiddiol (Anodiad: EAW026962 / 1446325)
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Helicopter Rotor Systems Test Rig.
The structure consists of ten latticework towers or pylons 70ft in height (21.33m). Around the inside of the pylons is a steel mesh safety skirt which could be raised or lowered depending on what type of rotor was under test.
In the centre of the ring of pylons is a control building, rising up from this to a height of 50ft (15.24m) is the spinning tower. The spinning tower is braced by six guy ropes / cables which are anchored to concrete arms radiating out from the base of the control building. The tension on these ropes / cables could be increased or decreased depending on what test criteria was required.
Power to drive the rotor blades at the top of the spinning tower was via a 500-volt, 700 h.p. electric motor.
The crane to lift rotors and position them on top of the spinning tower is visible in the photograph. The maximum safe rotor diameter was 60ft (18.28m).
Bristol Aeroplane Company's first production helicopter the Bristol Type 171, "Sycamore" had a main rotor diameter of 48ft 7in (14.80m) this helicopter first underwent ground testing in May 1947.
During 1946 ground-work for the rotor test bed was underway, an area formerly occupied by wartime air raid shelters had been cleared adjacent to the Filton Works.
The project was a joint venture by the
Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd., and the Ministry of Production.
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