Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Norman Kuhns

Ajay Sehgal

Ernest A Powell

A helicopter main rotor blade balance weight retention system and assembly having a base plate (), at least one support post () integral with the base plate and extending out perpendicularly from the base plate, a plurality of balance weights (), a retaining nut plate (), and one or more fastening bolts () for securing the balance weights to the base plate, and the base plate to the rotor blade. The balance weights () include apertures () through which the support posts and the fastening bolts pass. The apertures through which the support posts pass are dimensioned such that the a snug fit is formed between the support posts and the balance weight; but the apertures through which the fastening bolts pass are dimensioned such that the threaded portions of the fastening bolts are not subjected to any shear loads from the balance weights due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotating rotor blades. The weight retention assembly is installed into pockets in the blade tip.

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Euless, TX, United States of America

Norman Kuhns