Table of Contents Table of Contents... 1 Record of Revisions... 2 References... 3 Introduction... 4 Contact Information... 4 Prerequisites... 5 First Time Use... 6 Blade Clamp Placement... 6 Blade Clamp Adjustment... 7 Blade Fold Support Assembly... 8 Main Rotor Blade Folding Procedure... 9 Main Rotor Blade Unfolding Procedure... 19 Page 1
Record of Revisions Page Revision Date Page Revision Date 1 N/C 05/02/2016 2 N/C 05/02/2016 3 N/C 05/02/2016 4 N/C 05/02/2016 5 N/C 05/02/2016 6 N/C 05/02/2016 7 N/C 05/02/2016 8 N/C 05/02/2016 9 N/C 05/02/2016 10 N/C 05/02/2016 11 N/C 05/02/2016 12 N/C 05/02/2016 13 N/C 05/02/2016 14 N/C 05/02/2016 15 N/C 05/02/2016 16 N/C 05/02/2016 17 N/C 05/02/2016 18 N/C 05/02/2016 19 N/C 05/02/2016 20 N/C 05/02/2016 21 N/C 05/02/2016 22 N/C 05/02/2016 Page 2
References 1. 429BF-100, Blade Fold Provisions Installation Drawing 2. PR-429BF-900M, Blade Fold Provisions Installation Instructions 3. 429BF-600, Blade Fold Kit Support Installation Drawing and Bill of Materials 4. BHT-429-II-37, Expandable Blade Bolt Kit Installation Instruction Page 3
Introduction The Blade Fold Kit for the Bell 429 allows the main rotor blades to be folded in a two-blade forward and two-blade aft configuration. The kit consists of a set of permanently installed provisions and a set of supports and clamps that are used to hold the blades when folded. The kit requires that Bell Helicopter part number 429-706-073-101, Expandable Blade Bolt Kit, be installed prior to use. Refer to Bell Helicopter Installation Instruction BHT-429-II-37. Prior to using the kit for the first time, thoroughly read this manual and have a complete understanding of what is required. If you have any questions, please contact us using the information below. In addition, follow the instructions for First Time Use to mark the blade clamps and set the clamping pressure properly. Two people are required to perform the operation. It takes approximately 15 minutes to fold or unfold the blades. Contact Information The latest version of this manual can be found on the Paravion Technology, Inc. web site at www.paravion.com. Any questions concerning the use of this kit should be directed to the following. Customer Service Paravion Technology, Inc. 2001 Airway Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80524 USA Phone: +1 (970) 224-3898 FAX: +1 (970) 224-3899 E-Mail: paravion@paravion.com Web Site: www.paravion.com Page 4
Prerequisites Prior to using this kit, the following items must already be installed on the helicopter. Part Number Description Quantity Vendor 429-706-073-101 Expandable Blade Bolt Kit 1 Bell Helicopter Textron 429BF-100-1 Blade Fold Provisions Kit 1 Paravion Technology, Inc. Page 5
First Time Use When using the kit for the first time, follow the procedures below to mark the installation location for each blade clamp and set its respective clamping pressure. Blade Clamp Placement Beginning with the blade marked by a red triangle, place the center of a Blade Clamp at the following location. Red Triangle Blade Orange Square Blue Diamond Green Circle Distance from Blade Tip to Clamp Center 67.0 inches (1,702 mm) 91.0 inches (2,311 mm) 71.5 inches (1,816 mm) 97.5 inches (2477 mm) After the Blade Clamp is installed on the blade, mark the Blade Clamp location by placing a white chevron decal on both sides of the clamp. The decals can be applied to either the top or bottom of the blade. In addition, mark the Blade Clamp with a red triangle decal. The blade may also be marked with a red triangle at this location if it is difficult to see the red triangle at the root of the blade. If desired, the white chevrons and red triangle may be painted on the blade. Page 6
Blade Clamp Adjustment Now that the Blade Clamp has been installed and the blade marked, the clamping pressure needs to be set. Open the Blade Clamp by releasing the lock and raising the handle. Using a spring scale or similar device, pull the handle closed noting the maximum force displayed on the scale. Using a hex key, tighten or loosen the screw on the bottom of the Blade Clamp so that a maximum force of between 18 lbs. (8.16 kg) and 20 lbs. (9.07 kg) is achieved. Repeat the Blade Clamp Placement and Blade Clamp Adjustment procedures above for the remaining three blades; orange square, blue diamond, and green circle. Page 7
Blade Fold Support Assembly Attach the Right Forward Blade Support Strut to the Forward Blade Support Assembly using the two bolts, washers, and lock nuts provided. The Right Forward Support Strut should be oriented such that the coupling pin is facing outboard. Page 8
Main Rotor Blade Folding Procedure 1. Using an appropriate maintenance stand located at the forward left side of the helicopter, install the designated Blade Clamp on each of the pre-marked blades. The rotor system may be rotated either by the use of the tail rotor or by attaching a blade fold system support strut to a clamp and pulling in the desired direction of rotation. If a support strut is used, while pulling down on the rope to retract the coupling pin, attach the coupling to the ball on the bottom of the Blade Clamp and release the rope tension ensuring the pin has retracted, locking the coupling onto the ball. NOTE: THE BALL COUPLING ON THE UPPER END OF THE SUPPORT STRUT HAS A RELIEF ON ONE SIDE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WHEN PULLING ON THE STRUT TO ROTATE THE ROTOR SYSTEM THAT THE RELIEF IS FACING UP TO ALLOW FOR MISALIGNMENT. Page 9
To remove the support strut from the Blade Clamp, pull on the rope to disengage the coupling pin allowing the coupling to disconnect from the ball. 2. Rotate the rotor system to align the blade with the red triangle over the nose of the aircraft, just right of center. Page 10
3. Locate the Forward Blade Support Assembly and remove the two Fuselage Attachment Pins from their storage locations and install them in their appropriate locations at the forward door posts. Inserting the pins into the fittings and rotating clockwise will lock them into place. 4. Using two individuals, lift the Forward Blade Support Assembly while pulling down on the rope and couple it into the ball on the Blade Clamp. Release the tension on the rope and ensure the red engagement indicator on the coupling has retracted indicating proper engagement and locking of the coupling to the ball. Page 11
5. Raise the Forward Blade Support Assembly and blade enough to attach the lower end to the previously installed pins at the door posts. Secure the couplings by inserting the supplied ball-lock pins from the forward side. NOTE: IF THE PINS ARE INSTALLED FROM THE AFT SIDE FORWARD, THE CABIN DOOR MAY BE DAMAGED BY THE PIN WHEN THE DOOR IS FULLY OPENED. Page 12
6. Locate the Rear Blade Support Assembly and remove the two large Fuselage Attachment Pins from their storage location and install them onto the fuselage fittings by sliding them down over the dovetail shaped fitting. When fully engaged, the pins will self-lock. 7. Remove the smaller pin with the rope attached and allow it to remain on the right side of the tailboom while installing the support. Using two individuals, raise the support assembly up and over the tailboom and attach the lower ends onto the pins and secure using the provided ball-lock pins. Page 13
8. Install the Support Rope Pin onto the Forward Fuselage Fitting. The rope will prevent the support from falling back causing possible damage to the tail rotor drive shaft cover. 9. Locate the Blade Support Strut identified by a blue diamond which should correspond to the markings on the blade and Blade Clamp now positioned over the left side of the tailboom. While pulling down on the rope to retract the coupling pin, attach the coupling to the ball on the bottom of the Blade Clamp and release the rope tension ensuring the pin has retracted, locking the coupling onto the ball. Page 14
10. While one individual swings the top of the Rear Blade Support Assembly forward to a near vertical position, the other individual must raise the Support Strut and blade enough to allow the upper attachment pins to engage the support bracket. Once engaged, secure the lower end of the strut into the lower bracket using the supplied ball-lock pin. Page 15
11. Remove the expandable blade bolts from the two supported blades; red triangle and blue diamond. 12. Prior to rotating the rotor system, release the collective friction and slightly raise the collective allowing it to self-center as the system is rotated. Page 16
13. Using the remaining Rear Blade Support Strut attached to the green circle Blade Clamp, rotate the main rotor system clockwise until the blade located on the aft right side of the tailboom is directly over the right side of the Rear Blade Support Assembly. Raise the support strut and blade enough to allow the upper attachment pins to engage the support bracket. Once engaged, secure the lower end of the strut into the lower bracket using the supplied ball-lock pin. Page 17
14. Locate the Left Forward Blade Support Strut. While pulling down on the rope to retract the coupling pin, attach the coupling to the ball on the bottom of the Blade Clamp of the blade now located over the left front portion of the aircraft, orange square, and release the rope tension ensuring the pin has retracted, locking the coupling onto the ball. 15. Raise the support strut and blade enough to allow the upper attachment pins to engage the support bracket. Once engaged, secure the lower end of the strut into the lower bracket using the supplied ball-lock pin. 16. For additional security of the main rotor system, the rotor brake may be applied. Page 18
Main Rotor Blade Unfolding Procedure 1. Ensure that the main rotor brake is released. 2. Remove the Left Forward Blade Support Strut, orange square, by removing the ball-lock pin in the lower end of the strut and raising the strut and blade high enough to disengage the upper strut pins from the support bracket. Once released from the blade support, pull on the rope to release the strut from the Blade Clamp ball. 3. Remove the Right Rear Blade Support Strut, green circle, by removing the ball-lock pin in the lower end of the strut and raising the strut and blade high enough to disengage the upper strut pins from the support bracket. NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT FROM THE CLAMP AT THIS TIME. Page 19
4. Using the Right Rear Blade Support Strut, green circle, rotate the main rotor system counter clockwise until the blade and blade grip attachment holes are aligned. NOTE: THE BALL COUPLING ON THE UPPER END OF THE SUPPORT STRUT HAS A RELIEF ON ONE SIDE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WHEN PULLING ON THE STRUT TO ROTATE THE ROTOR SYSTEM THAT THE RELIEF IS FACING UP TO ALLOW FOR MISALIGNMENT. NOTE: IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ROTATE THE ROTOR SYSTEM BACK AND FORTH TO ACCOMPLISH HOLE ALIGNMENT. 5. Install the expandable blade bolts and safety with provided safety clips. Page 20
6. Remove the support strut from the green circle Blade Clamp by pulling down on the rope to release the locking pin in the ball coupling. 7. Remove the Left Rear Blade Support Strut, blue diamond, by removing the ball-lock pin in the lower end of the strut and raising the strut and blade high enough to disengage the upper strut pins from the support bracket. Pull the rope to release the ball coupling from the ball on the Blade Clamp. 8. Using two individuals, remove the Rear Blade Support Assembly by removing the balllock pins from the lower end of the support and the Forward Fuselage Attachment Pin from the dovetail fitting. Stow the Forward Fuselage Attachment Pin on the top of the Rear Blade Support Assembly. Swing the assembly up and over to the right side of the tailboom. Page 21
9. Remove the Fuselage Attachment Pins and return them to their storage locations on the top of the Rear Blade Support Assembly. 10. Using two individuals, remove the Forward Blade Support Assembly by removing the ball-lock pins at the lower end of the support and lifting the assembly up and off of the Fuselage Attachment Pins. Swing the lower end of the assembly forward to a vertical position and pull the rope to release the ball coupling from the ball on the Blade Clamp. 11. Remove the Fuselage Attachment Pins from the door post by pulling on the release knob and rotating counter clockwise while pulling out. Return the pins to their storage location on the Forward Blade Support Assembly. 12. Using an appropriate maintenance stand located at the forward left side of the helicopter, remove the blade clamps. The rotor system may be rotated either by the tail rotor or by attaching a Rear Blade Support Strut to a Blade Clamp and pulling in the desired direction. NOTE: THE BALL COUPLING ON THE UPPER END OF THE SUPPORT STRUT HAS A RELIEF ON ONE SIDE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE RELIEF IS FACING UP TO ALLOW FOR MISSLIGNMENT WHEN PULLING ON THE STRUT TO ROTATE THE ROTOR SYSTEM. 13. The pilot should be made aware that upon starting the aircraft, the collective must be lowered as soon as hydraulic pressure allows. Page 22