Originally Posted by
Turbosina
but just curious about how the indicated airspeed in forward flight affects rotor lift.
Thinking about doing my helicopter add-on just for fun. My first and only hour was a very humbling experience indeed 😂
When horizontal flow thru the rotor increases -- either from forward airspeed or wind -- the rotor operates more efficiently since it encounters undisturbed air rather than turbulence from vortices. Also, the rotor doesn't have to accelerate the stationary air above it, but rather the air passes horizontally thru the rotor disk. This has the effect of increasing AOA / lift without requiring more power.
The add-on is expensive but worth it! Helis are amazing machines. Here's a tip: get an RC chopper: MUCH cheaper than the rating!