Translation lift refers to what phenomenon?

Translation lift is a phenomenon that occurs when a helicopter transitions from a hover to forward flight. During this transition, the helicopter moves out of its own downwash, which is the downward flow of air generated by the rotor blades. When in hover, the helicopter experiences a certain amount of induced drag due to the downwash affecting the rotor blades. However, when the helicopter begins to move forward, it escapes this downwash and transitions into clean, undisturbed air, allowing the rotor system to become more efficient.

As a result, the helicopter experiences additional lift, which can often be felt as an increase in lift force when the aircraft moves forward. This effect is particularly significant during the initial stages of forward flight, making it easier for the helicopter to gain altitude and maintain stable flight. Understanding translation lift is crucial for pilots as it influences maneuverability, efficiency, and overall flight performance in varying flight conditions.