ROTOR-MAST-TILTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOWER FLAPPING LOADS

A method and apparatus for reducing flapping loads imposed on a rotor are disclosed. The method may include flying a rotorcraft comprising an airframe, a rotor, a mast extending to connect the rotor to the airframe, a tilt mechanism, at least one sensor, and a computer system. The computer system may obtain in real time, from the at least one sensor, data characterizing at least one flapping load experienced by the rotor during the flying. Using the data, the computer system may issue at least one command to the tilt mechanism. In response to the command, the tilt mechanism may reorient the mast with respect to the airframe. This reorienting may lower the flapping load experienced by the rotor.