• untorquer@quokk.au
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    16 days ago

    This is called a Wire Strike. While the helicopter can conduct electricity it’s much less of a concern than damage or loss of control for the helicopter. The aluminum skin is actually protective for the occupants against shock. Think if the helicopter snags the line then it it can tear itself apart or simply end up in an unrecoverable flight path.

    Many helicopters are fitted with [Wire Strike Prevention Systems] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wire_strike_protection_system) which just cut the wire.

      • untorquer@quokk.au
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        15 days ago

        Yeah, there’s a wedge shape that creates a shearing stress on the wire while pushing a blade against it. It uses the momentum of the helicopter. Like when you cut paper by holding scissors open and just pushing them through.