Expert: Mark Janus - 5/6/2009

Question
It has often puzzled me that helicopters can fly forward at high speeds. The main rotor of a helicopter lifts it vertically, what causes it to move forward.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi John,

The main rotor also provides the thrust....  by tilting the plane of rotation slightly forward the aerodynamic force perpendicular to the plane of rotation has a small component in the forward (thrust) direction with the remaining large component still in the vertical or lift direction.

Thanks for the question,
mj