is it possible for a helicopter to fly upside down??

Question

me and my friends were arguing about this today

Answer 1

Yes some (like the Westland Super Lynx or "G-Lynx" as its also known) can fly inverted, but for short periods. I don't think the inversion can be sustained for long because heli-rotors seem to be built for positive-G loads and not negative G-loads. So the next time you see a heli flying upside down, its spending whatever "energy" (gathered kinetic...hey experts, am I right?). Very soon when this diminishes, the heli's weight will start to bear down on the rotor hub assembly and its gearbox...also...sustained inverted flight may have adverse effects on effective circulation of lubricants aroundarticulating surfaces in all those metal-meet-metal components.
So, I agree with thye rest of the guys here that inverted flight flights can happen but BRIEFLY.

Answer 2

Indeed SOME can. Over the past few years there have been a couple of helicopters in production that can fly upside down or roll over. Before the issue was always the treat of the propellors breaking off but modern technology has overcome this.

Answer 3

Sure, but not like airplanes. Some helicopters can do rolls and loops that put them upside down for a brief period of the maneuver. A helicopter can not stay in sustained inverted flight.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

It cannot maintain inverted flight but several do rolls and loops and during these maneuvers there are upside down briefly, however the pilots must keep positive G forces on the rotors

Answer 5

Oh yes.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3PqSR-D-oc0

Now, they can fly inverted but for short periods. Helicopter blades dont like Negative G's so the pilots have to hold back pressure. If the rotor sustains Negative G's most likley it will colapse.

Answer 6

an apache longbow can do a full loop, but it would take a very special craft to fly upside down

Answer 7

Yes they can and now they call it the HOVER Craft

Answer 8

normal ones cant