How a Helicopter Works (Bell 407)

A detailed examination of how a helicopter works, using a well known make and model, demonstrated with physics and mechanical 3D visuals.

CREDITS
Jacob O'Neal - Research, script, narration, 3D modeling / animation, music

PATREON

SOFTWARE USED
I use Blender 3D to create these models. It's free and open source, and the community is amazing:

0:00 Intro
03:18 Airframe
04:38 Engine
06:54 Turbine Section
08:41 Compressor Section
09:41 Drivetrain
10:36 Autorotation
11:44 Freewheeling Unit
13:46 Drivetrain Forward
14:38 Transmission
17:03 Drivetrain Aft
20:07 Fuel
20:28 Main Rotor
25:20 Coriolis Effect
25:54 Dissymmetry of Lift
27:12 Gyroscopic Precession vs. Phase Lag
28:53 Main Rotor Breakdown
29:22 Blade to Rotor
31:44 Blade Construction
32:58 Flight Controls from Rotor
33:29 Swashplate Assembly
36:25 Flight Controls to Cockpit
40:22 Cockpit Controls
42:36 Directional Controls (Tail Rotor)
43:56 Tail Rotor Breakdown
48:33 Cockpit Pilot View
54:44 Final Cutaway

[andrewnugent]

I’m currently a helicopter flight instructor and I show this video to all my students because the visuals are absolutely incredible.
When I flew the Bell 407 I didn’t even know this much about it. This is one of the best videos on YouTube in my opinion.

I think flight schools should commission you to make instructional videos.

[pitchlink]

I’m a professional helicopter mechanic working on Bell 407s (the exact model used for the video) full time and you are spot on at every point. Incredibly well done.

[BradleyG]

I feel like 50% of the appeal of these videos is the information, and the other 50% is just drooling over how high quality and clear the videos are. I'm fully confident that there is no better package of information out there. This guy deserves millions. As soon as I'm not a broke college student, I'll be joining patreon

[HoverPwr]

Wow, from a 31 Year EMS Helicopter pilot that currently flies a Bell 407 GXI . Excellent Job. I am sending this video to all my friends that are always asking me questions on the function of the helicopters I fly. If I would have had this 20 years ago when I was also actively a Helicopter flight instructor, it would have made my job so much easier. I wouldn't have wasted so many dry erase markers and exposed my lack of drawing skills. Bravo Jacob.

[ryvyr]

Another Animagraffs video makes the world a better place

[MiriamHowell-pfy]

When I flew the Bell 407 I didn’t even know this much about it. This is one of the best videos on YouTube in my opinion.

[Drummingwolverine]

As a rotor design engineer, I can’t tell you how excited this video made me. Beautiful job explaining such a complex system!

[RashidBeg]

I started flying in 1986 and after being a CFI on fixed wing aircraft I converted to helicopter flying in 1994. Since then I have taught a lot of pilots and I am still learning. I want to extend my gratitude to you and appreciation for making such a wonderful presentation. If we had such videos then life would have been so easy. Your contribution is priceless. Stay blessed.

[charliemills]

As someone in my first year of flying helicopters, I can say this video explains the mechanics and interactions better than 90% of my instructors. Especially rotor flapping, feathering, flight control mixing, dissymmetry of lift, and the sprag clutch. Thank you for this, it should be shown to every aspiring helicopter pilot!

[darin]

As a professional helicopter pilot for 23 years and counting (and currently flying a 407) this is done really well. Many details are left off but the bulk of this information is not only correct but nicely done. Thanks

[eldebo]

I'm very grateful to how you show things working from close, then a little further out, then a little further out, with certain model parts turned on and off, repeating the motions over and over again so we can put it all together and see the sum of the parts. Holy moly the work the work you put into breaking down one of our wackiest and versatile inventions.

[JenniferStreetArt]

I served the U.S. Army for 23yrs as an aircraft “master crew chief” in Army aviation. I worked on the OH-58 Scout, then later transferred to the UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, crew member and door gunner.
Your video does a better job than I can in explaining the physics of rotary flight to my family members….❤ Thank You

[krisholden]

I’m an A&P mechanic with a focus on UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. I’ve also spent time working on Bell stuff (what’s in this video) and the differences are significant insofar as the main rotor system is concerned. However, I can say with confidence, that this video is spot on. I expected to be able to pick it apart and find places where you got lazy and didn’t thoroughly explain a concept or system. I was wrong! You actually made it simple to understand concepts that took me literally years to learn and understand. I will be showing this video to any young, prospective rotorcraft students that are interested in learning about helicopters moving forward. You have a gift.

[philipxguy]

Thanks! I had a pretty good knowledge of how this all works, but nothing compares to seeing it modeled out! I love watching your fine works with my kids to help them understand what would otherwise be just a mystery! Thanks again!

[CHFlyingtwinkie]

As a chinook mechanic, this is spot on and you should be dang proud of yourself. 100% correct and very smooth. You took a month long class and condensed it to an hour. Bravo.

Edit: I would love to see more rotary wing videos; fenestron breakdown, co-axial birds and of course, tandem rotor systems.

[kevinwatkins]

Correction in 27:00 - Dissymmetry of lift: 

Advancing blade flaps up and retreading flaps down. (Upflap reduces AOA and vice versa, causing equal lift across the system). 

Great video! There was a lot of work put into this. Really appreciated!

[danpeck]

I respect the high quality of your work in so many disciplines, and the effort it takes to make it happen; I also very much appreciate how you do not use the standardized in-your-face marketing and sponsorships that the majority of visual media businesses annoyingly do. All of that is something I can get behind! Keep it up! 💚

[GovindSingh-zjnx]

I'm working on bell 407 as engineer from last three year.
The way you have explained all the basic concepts of this aircraft is awesome.
I've shared it to many technicians of my company for their better understanding.
Thanks for making this video.

[chrisblashill]

Hey Jake, I know I'm just one dude, but I got more stoked seeing you'd posted a new video than I have for any creator in a while. These animations and narrations are amazing, keep crushing it!

[bomesosikore]

I'm a. Heavy equipment machinery fitter. Work for 30 years. I understand what you teach you do the most interesting teaching. the best of all. Thanks to you