Tungsten alloy counterweight for helicopter rotor

Tungsten alloy is a high-density material composed of tungsten combined with metals such as nickel, iron, or copper. With a density typically ranging from 17.0 to 18.5 g/cm³, it is significantly denser than steel or aluminum. Its tensile strength can reach 700–1100 MPa, and Vickers hardness ranges between 250–400 HV, enabling it to withstand the immense centrifugal forces and complex stresses generated by the high-speed rotation of rotor blades. The high density of tungsten alloy allows it to deliver greater mass within a limited volume, making it an ideal counterweight material in the aerospace industry.

In helicopter design, dynamic balancing of the rotor system is critical for improving flight stability and maneuverability. Even slight manufacturing deviations in rotor blades can lead to imbalance during rotation. To counteract this, precision counterweights are installed—often made of tungsten alloy. These counterweights are typically embedded at the leading edge or tip of the rotor blade. By adjusting their size and position, engineers can achieve dynamic balance, reduce vibration, and extend the service life of the rotor system.

Mounting tungsten alloy counterweights at specific positions on the blade allows for accurate adjustment of the weight distribution. This helps offset imbalance forces, leading to smoother rotor rotation, reduced vibration and noise, and improved flight comfort and safety. When installed on the rotor hub, tungsten alloy counterweights help optimize mass distribution, enhance stability under complex stress conditions, and improve the overall reliability of the rotor and hub system—ensuring superior helicopter performance.

Beyond helicopter rotors, tungsten alloy counterweights are also widely used in aircraft tail balancing, aerospace instrumentation vibration dampening, and center-of-gravity adjustment in military missiles. To learn more about the applications and features of tungsten alloy counterweights, please visit the JinXin website or contact our experts for professional support.