Lifting a helicopter?

I found at least a half dozen photos on Google with the helicopter being lifted by the rotor.  That seems to be the preferred method.  After all, the rotor is strong enough to lift the helicopter itself plus any payload.

I did find on photo where there appears to be lift rings on the fuselage:

Rusty

  From above, the main rotor’s shaft would be the helicopter’s center of gravity, and it’s lifting point.   Obviously a twin rotor Chinook would be elsewhere. 

 All aircraft have reinforced jacking points for lifting from below, and most types have points that can be used with specific attachments to lift from above. This would be preferable, as lifting with a crane from the rotor hub could  put potentially harmful strain on the gearbox, swashplate, trim linkages, etc.

But, if you really had to get it out of there....

Tom

As a former USMC Huey pilot and Maintenance Officer, I can attest that on single rotor helicopters, lifting on the main rotor mast is the method used. Remember, the rotating blades are exerting all their lift on that same shaft. The rotor shaft transfers lift  to overcome A/C weight + payload through the transmission which is mounted on elastomeric mounts and a "Jesus" link that is a solid link to the airframe itself.

Tandem rotor helicopters generally use solid lifting points built into the airframe on each rotor pylon, but could  also be lifted using attachments to both rotor heads.

Thanks for the info, guys!

Chris

LVHR

It depends on the rotor system; rigid, semi-rigid or articulated. With a proper spreader bar or cradle, position the slings where the main rotor blades connect to the hub. Take the slack out of the slings assuring they will not press against drag struts, stabilizer bars, counter weights, droop stops, dampeners or hydraulic lines and you should be safe for the lift.   John in Lansing, ILL

Here's some pics.

D&H 65 posted:

As a former USMC Huey pilot and Maintenance Officer, I can attest that on single rotor helicopters, lifting on the main rotor mast is the method used. Remember, the rotating blades are exerting all their lift on that same shaft. ...

when you move a small plane manually, you use the front wheel to steer, but you push or pull it by the prop.  ...same reason.

overlandflyer posted:

when you move a small plane manually, you use the front wheel to steer, but you push or pull it by the prop.  ...same reason.

Just don't pull on the end of the prop blades, keep the heavy force nearer the hub.

While we're on the subject...  An HOFC (Helicopter On Flat Car) screen capture from a YouTube video on the N&W I stumbled across:

Rusty

Rusty Traque posted:

While we're on the subject...  An HOFC (Helicopter On Flat Car) screen capture from a YouTube video on the N&W I stumbled across:

Rusty

During early 50s, seen may flats with Helicopters on them. Somewhere in my Korean War albums I have several original Photo of Helicopters being transported on rail which gave me the idea or making one flatcar with one on it also. Thought the rotors were off in the photos showing them on flat cars.