Bell Continues Developing Its EDAT Tail Rotors


Bell spent 2021 refining its electronically distributed anti-torque (EDAT) tail rotor systems. Instead of one large tail rotor, EDAT uses four smaller ones. The new system is meant to provide helicopter pilots with more control while using advanced technology that is both simpler and quieter.


Unlike any conventional helicopter out there today, “What Bell’s EDAT provides is the ability to give the pilot some torque authority to get down safely,” said Eric Sinusas, Bell’s director of commercial development. “In a nutshell, we removed all of the conventional mechanical anti- torque components including gearboxes, driveshafts and tail rotor hub and blades, replacing it with four electric motors and fans. They are fixed-pitch blades and


they’re changing rpm constantly. Noise hasn’t really been a top priority for the helicopter industry for quite a while, but it’s quickly becoming a very important parameter.”


The EDAT is currently being tested on a Bell 429 demonstrator aircraft, which flies out of Bell’s facility in Mirabel, Quebec.


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Nov/Dec 2021


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