Our Product
The Wedge
The field installable rotor smoothing wedge, invented by the leaders of Embolon Technology, Inc., provides a simpler method for rotor smoothing and blade tracking adjustment compared to conventional trim tab bending.
The wedge functions like a trim tab but is an elastomeric, ramp-shaped component which is adhered to the trailing edge of the rotor blade with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
The wedge can be installed and removed by flight line mechanics quickly, in the field, and without any special tools.
The wedge provides superior accuracy compared to trim tabs, exhibits excellent adhesion, is environmentally durable, and easy to remove without any special processes or tooling with no lasting effects to the blade.
The Wedge Advantage
Reduce
Rotor Vibration
Reduce rotor and airframe vibration by achieving a more accurate blade tracking level.
Simplify
Track and Balance
Replace trim tab bending to reduce track and balance maintenance time, tracking flights, process complexity, and recurring frequency.
Eliminate
Trim Tab Bending
Eliminate potential blade damage from trim tab bending. Wedges are not susceptible to tab angle drift over time and use.
Watch: The Wedge Advantage
Wedge Installation
01
Begin Track & Balance
Perform initial rotor smoothing test flight to determine wedge tracking adjustment needed.
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Determine adjustment solutions per the aircraft solution procedure. The appropriate wedge length is determined by the onboard diagnostic software, polar chart or tab to wedge conversion table for the applicable aircraft configuration.
02
Prepare the Wedge
The wedge length and location is determined and then test-fit at the intended adhesion location.
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The appropriate wedge length and location is determined by the aircraft rotor smoothing process as described in step 1. Cut a wedge to the prescribed length with standard scissors.
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The wedge can be installed on the upper or lower trailing edge surface of the blade, with the thick side of the wedge flush to the trailing edge of the blade.
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Note: To prevent blade surface damage, wedges should not be trimmed once adhered to the blade surface. Additional wedge section length can be added if needed.
03
Prepare the Blade
The blade is prepared for wedge bond using our 3-step preparation system.​
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​The application area is initially prepared using the provided STEP 1 cleaning wipe (packaged and identified as "Step 1"). The intent of this step is to remove dirt and contaminants from the application area.
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The area is lightly abraded using the provided STEP 2 sanding pad (packaged and identified as "Step 2"). The intent of this step is to improve the surface texture for optimum wedge adhesion. DO NOT sand through the blade paint.
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The area is cleaned again with the STEP 3 cleaning wipe (packaged and identified as "Step 3") to remove all sanding residue and contaminents.
04
Install the Wedge
The adhesive paper backing is removed from the wedge and installed to the surface of the blade.
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Align the thick edge of the wedge with the trailing edge of the rotor blade at the specified spanwise location. Adhere the wedge to the prepared surface with firm finger pressure along the entire length of the wedge. Flight verification of the rotor smoothing adjustment can be performed immediately after the installation of the rotor smoothing wedge.
05
Finish Track & Balance
Tracking is performed again to measure the updated blade vibration levels.​
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​If the wedge section length needs to be increased, equal lengths of wedge are added to either side of the previously installed wedge. This ensures the total length remains centered at the intended rotor station.
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If the wedge section length needs to be decreased, the installed wedge will need to be replaced with a new shorter length wedge. Wedges can be easily removed by peeling it off the blade by hand.
Video Install Reference
Additional Info
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Video Install Reference: Van Horn Aviation wedge installation video guide. Note that wedge installation will differ between our supported platforms.​​
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​FAQ covering installation and general use can be found at the bottom of this page.​
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Note: The install process is listed in more detail on our Desktop page compared to our Mobile page.
Wedge Details
Standard Wedge
Standard Model
Standard Rotor Smoothing Effect
Standard Wedge Adhesion Strength
Simplified Installation Process
(Surface Markings ®)
Synthetic Polymer
(Embolon Proprietary Material)
Quiet Wedge
Quiet Model
Product Details Coming Soon
Product Details Coming Soon
Product Details Coming Soon
Product Details Coming Soon
Wedge Kit Overview
The Wedge Kit
Everything Required for Complete Wedge Installation
Standard with All Wedge Orders
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The Wedge
Surface Prep
Cleaning Wipe
(Step 1)
Surface Prep
Sanding Pad
(Step 2)
Surface Prep
Cleaning Wipe
(Step 3)
Kit Bag
(Kit Items Not Shown to Scale)
Kit Specs
Installation Instructions Included
Non-Carcinogenic Prep Kit (Health Risk Free)
Unrestricted Shipping - Not HazMat regulated for Ground, Air or Sea transportation (DOT, TDG, IMDG, IATA)
Kit Configuration Tailored to Customer's Needs
5 Year Shelf Life
Our Service Included
Complete Installation Package
Each wedge comes with an installation kit (Wedge Kit) which provides everything required for complete installation.
Platform Implementation
Our team works hands-on with the aircraft to demonstrate the wedge installation and tracking process for first time implementation.
Engineering Technical Support
For any technical support needed, our engineering team is standing by. We will help troubleshoot any issues the customer may have in a timely manner.
Platform Lifetime Support
While the lifespan of our wedges is long, they do not last forever. We commit to provide our product and services available for the entire life cycle of our supported platforms.
FAQ
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Is it possible for airflow to shear off a Wedge?When installed properly, wedges will not separate from the blade surface in flight due to airflow. However, it is very important that new wedges are installed onto a clean prepared surface. Blade surface preparation materials and instructions are included with each rotor smoothing wedge kit.
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What's the difference between installing a Wedge on the upper vs lower surface of a blade?Not much. Generally, it is easier to install a wedge on the upper surface due to the ease of access and visual perspective. But the process for surface preparation and wedge installation is the same for both the upper and lower surfaces.
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Can the same Wedge be removed and re-adhered?Wedges should not be removed and re-applied. The adhesive strength of the Embolon wedge is excellent but once installed and removed, the capability of the wedge adhesive is compromised.
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Are there operating environment limits for Wedges? (Rain, Hail, Sand, Etc.)No. The Embolon rotor smoothing wedge is engineered to operate in the same environmental conditions as the platforms we support. Extended fielding of Embolon wedges has shown no increased vulnerability from the impingement of rain, hail and sand.
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How is the correct Wedge installation determined?Generally, wedge solutions should be determined with the same systems utilized to determine tab bending solutions. In the field of helicopter operational diagnostics, the solution process varies depending on the platform and user. Ultimately, wedges solutions can be determined directly from the onboard diagnostic processor, independent polar charts for wedge solutions, or a lookup table to provide wedge equivalent solutions based on tab bend angles. The experts at Embolon Technology are here to help!
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How often do Wedges need to be serviced or replaced?Our wedges are designed to remain attached and last a long time through extreme environmental conditions. But they are composed of rubber. Just like tires and windshield wiper blades, wedges do need to be replaced on a periodic basis. We recommend refreshing rotor smoothing wedges during the normal major inspection interval for the aircraft. Whether it’s an annual inspection for civilian or phase inspection for military platforms, it is recommended to remove existing wedges and replace with new wedges. This may be as simple as a one-for-one swap if the same blades are going back onto the original aircraft or may involve the removal of existing wedges followed by a new rotor smoothing effort to determine a new wedge solution.
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Are there operating temperature limits for Wedges?No. The Embolon rotor smoothing wedge is engineered to operate in the same extreme temperature conditions as the platforms we support.