Product Improvement Test of Improved AH-1G Pitch-Link Tube Assembly.

An excessive amount of wear and chafing has been experienced on standard AH-1G Helicopter pitch-link tube rod end antirotation lugs, bearing assemblies, and the surface of the scissors assembly. This wear, necessitating replacement of the assemblies after approximately 250 hours of operation, is attributed to the torsional loads imposed on the pitch-link tubes and to misalignment of the assembly. In an effort to reduce or eliminate this wear, Bell Helicopter Company manufactured an improved pitch-link tube assembly and modified the scissors assembly. This proposal was submitted to the Iroquois Project Manager as an Engineering Change Proposal ECP. The Project Manager desired actual test time on the item prior to approving the ECP.