Re: number of rotor blades

"Rob Fonhof" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Just a theoretical question that someone may be able to help with.
> Alot of helicopters have only two rotor blades, ie:Robinsons, Bells, etc.
> Others have multiples, ie:dauphins with 4, Hughes etc.
> If a blade is thrown on a two blade, bend over and kiss your rear bye bye.
> What would happen if you had a 4, 5, or even 6 blade?Would you still be
able
> to autorotate?  I know the airframe would probably vibrate violently, but
> would it be survivable in an autorotate, or even low power to at least get
> to the ground.
> Have there been instances in the past where this has happened with a >2
> blade.

Brantly B2s had a problem in the early '70s. I personally saw a blade come
off one. The other blades pulled the gearbox off the airframe. Two on board
but only one was killed as the machine was only at 20 ft.

Slatts