How does increasing collective thrust affect the helicopter during forward flight?

Increasing collective thrust in a helicopter during forward flight primarily affects its altitude. When the collective pitch is increased, the angle of the rotor blades is adjusted to create more lift, which in turn allows the helicopter to ascend. This lift generation is essential for overcoming the force of gravity and gaining altitude.

In forward flight, while the aircraft is moving horizontally, increasing the collective causes the helicopter to rise because the additional lift is not utilized to increase forward speed but rather to counteract the weight of the helicopter and achieve a climb. This is crucial for maneuvers that require altitude gain, such as avoiding obstacles or performing emergency procedures.

Understanding this concept is vital for pilots and operators, as managing the collective thrust effectively contributes to desired altitude control while in forward flight.