The RC helicopter swash plate assembly is that assembly which tilts the
blades of the helicopter so as to change the direction of the thrust generated
from the blades.
This happens as swash plate assembly consists of two plates and ball
bearing in between the two plates. On signal from the RC helicopter radio
the plates moves to one side due to which the blades and the complete
rotor assembly is tilted.
Due to this tilting, the blades displace air in an angular path which
makes the helicopter move in side or front or back or in a diagonal path.
Without the swatch plate assembly, 3D flying cannot be even thought of
without the use of swash plate assembly in a radio controlled helicopter.
Swash plate assembly consists of two plates with bearing in between them.
So the upper portion of the swash plate also rotates with the rotor at
approximately the same speed. The lower portion of a swash plate assembly
is connected to the control panel tubes called the Non-Rotating control
tubes.
The upper end revolves whereas the lower end remains stationary which
is the reason why it is used to tilt the rotor assembly and hence the
blades.
The upper end of the swash plate assembly revolves with the rotor whereas
the lower end connected with the helicopter remains stationery. When there
is a need to tilt the blade though a small angle, then the tubes connected
to the lower end of the swash plate called control tubes are used to change
the angle of the rotor assembly.
Since the lower end doesn’t rotate with the rotor, then it can be tilted
away easily. This is the procedure used in all radio controlled helicopters
and also in the real helicopters to tilt the rotor by a specific angle
to have the desired movement if the helicopter in the air.
A swash plate is a very important part of a RC helicopter. It might be
difficult to understand as a beginner, but once you have experiences the
movements of a swash plate, all this information will come together. Try
to see and handle the swash plate and see how it moves, it’s mind stretching
when you think about it.