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Basics of cyclic and collective pitch control

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Final answer:

Cyclic and collective pitch control are two important concepts in rotorcraft, particularly helicopters, used to control the pitch of the main rotor blades and determine the helicopter's movement and stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cyclic and collective pitch control are two important concepts in rotorcraft, particularly helicopters. They are used to control the pitch of the main rotor blades and determine the helicopter's movement and stability.

The cyclic pitch control adjusts the pitch of each rotor blade as it rotates around the rotor hub. By changing the pitch of the rotor blades in different positions, the cyclic pitch control allows the helicopter to tilt and move in a desired direction. For example, if the pilot wants to move forward, they increase the pitch of the rotor blades as they rotate over the front of the helicopter, creating more lift and generating forward thrust.

The collective pitch control adjusts the pitch angle of all the rotor blades simultaneously. By increasing or decreasing the pitch angle, the collective pitch control can change the overall lift generated by the rotor. Increasing the pitch angle increases the lift, allowing the helicopter to climb, while decreasing the pitch angle decreases the lift, causing the helicopter to descend.

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