How many elastomeric bearings are typically on the main rotor head?

The typical number of elastomeric bearings on the main rotor head is indeed 12. These bearings are crucial components in rotorcraft designs, as they allow for flexibility and movement of the rotor blades during operation while providing stability and support. The 12 elastomeric bearings help to distribute the load and manage the dynamics of the rotor system effectively, ensuring that the aircraft can handle various aerodynamic forces while minimizing vibrations.

Elastomeric bearings have the ability to absorb shocks and dampen vibrations, which is critical in aviation for enhancing performance and safety. Additionally, the configuration of 12 bearings is often engineered to provide optimal performance for the specific design criteria and operational requirements of the aircraft.

This specific setup also facilitates the proper functioning of the rotor head, ensuring reliability and safety during flight operations while maintaining the design philosophy of the rotorcraft in question.