Helicopters are complex machines, feats of engineering that combine a huge variety of parts, both large and small, to achieve flight. From the easily recognized main rotor to the many less obvious components, each plays a vital role. Let’s take a closer look at the parts that make these aircrafts the reliable machines they are.
Major Helicopter Components
When most people think of “helicopter parts,” certain key structural elements come to mind. These are the large, prominent components that define a helicopter’s shape and function:
- Airframe: This is the structural foundation of the helicopter, essentially its skeleton. The airframe provides the necessary rigidity and support for all the other components.
- Fuselage: The main body of the helicopter, the fuselage, serves to house the crew, passengers, and cargo, and also provides space for many of the helicopter’s systems.
- Rotor System: The rotor system is what sets helicopters apart from other aircraft. The main rotor provides lift and controls the helicopter’s movement, while the tail rotor counteracts the torque created by the main rotor and provides directional control.
- Landing Gear: The landing gear supports the helicopter when it is on the ground, and is designed to absorb the impact of landing.

The Importance of Smaller Precision Parts
While the major components get much of the attention, the functionality and safety of helicopters rely heavily on a multitude of smaller, more intricate parts. The precise design and manufacture of these components are crucial to helicopter engineering. These smaller parts, though often less visible, are absolutely essential.
For example, consider these components:
- Knuckles in control linkages: Control linkages connect pilot controls to movable parts like rotor blades. Knuckles, pivotal joints in these linkages, demand tight tolerances for control responsiveness and reliability.
- Drive shafts in the transmission system: The transmission system transfers engine power to rotors. Drive shafts transmit this force, and their accurate manufacture minimizes vibration and ensures efficient power transfer.
- Bushings: These cylindrical components reduce friction and wear between moving parts in various systems, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
- Fasteners: High-strength bolts, screws, and pins hold structural elements together, withstanding significant loads and vibrations.
- Fittings: Connectors in fluid and hydraulic systems must maintain leak-proof seals under pressure and movement.
- Actuator components: Small pistons and valves within actuators control the movement of various helicopter systems.
- Bearings: Rolling-element bearings (ball bearings, roller bearings) reduce rotational friction in shafts and other rotating components, enabling smooth and efficient operation of gearboxes, rotors, and other moving parts.
- Gears: Small gears within gearboxes are essential for transmitting and changing rotational speed and torque. Their precise tooth geometry and material properties are critical for efficient power transmission.

- Seals: O-rings, gaskets, and other seals prevent the leakage of fluids (oil, hydraulic fluid) and gases, maintaining system pressure and preventing contamination.
- Valves: Small valves within hydraulic or fuel systems control the flow of fluids, directing it to where it’s needed at the right time and pressure.
Many of these parts are only a few inches in diameter, so they require an exacting level of precision to keep the helicopter functioning properly.
Quality and Precision
The manufacture of helicopter parts is a highly specialized field. It requires strict adherence to quality assurance (QA) processes and often involves compliance with industry certifications to guarantee the reliability and safety of the components. Precision machining, meticulous inspection, and rigorous testing are essential at every stage of production.
Take Flight with Bertrand Products
A helicopter can only take flight through the combination of its large and small parts alike. While the major structural components provide the overall form and function, it’s the smaller, precision-engineered parts that deliver the fine-tuned control and reliable operation of these complex machines.
For those involved in the manufacture of precision components, the helicopter industry presents unique challenges and the satisfaction of contributing to the safety and advancement of flight.
To learn more about precision manufacturing for the aerospace industry, visit Bertrand Products and get in touch with us to find out how our precision machining solutions can take your project to the next level.