Blake wrote:

Loose the V-belts and go with a Poly chain. Interesting to see the mounting of the 90 degree drive, and the cooling air to it.

Paul, I still wonder if you could somehow get vertical operation of a rotary.... Hmmmm.

How much is lost in a 90 degree drive in percentage of total power?

Blake, the V belts trouble me too.  Every single certified piston engine helicopter uses them for the tail rotor as far as I can tell.  The best kit heli (the Safari formerly known as the Baby Belle) does NOT use belts in its drive train at all.

Interestingly, the mechanics I talk to say that the V belt TR drives are trouble free and very low maintainence.  Therefore I'm keeping an open mind on the Belt drive, but my gut instinct says no to the belts.

Hans Conser

And they absorb torsional vibration. Hard to beat IMHO.

Paul Lamar

 The Police department Hughs choppers had a "V" belt drive. It had what looked like a gang of roller skate wheels to tension the belts and act as a clutch for autorotation.
Lynn E. Hanover

 
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