Main rotor blades that do not cone by the same amount during rotation are said to be?

Main rotor blades that do not cone by the same amount during rotation are referred to as being out of phase. This condition occurs when the blades are not synchronized in their movement, meaning that they do not attain the same angle of ascent at the same point in their rotation. This can lead to imbalances in airflow and lift production, potentially resulting in increased vibration or a reduction in overall performance of the rotor system.

The concept of blades being "out of phase" is particularly important in maintaining rotor dynamics and achieving efficient operation. Each blade should ideally follow a precise trajectory during its rotation, and if one blade is at a different angle than another at any point in time, it can directly affect the stability and control of the aircraft. In rotorcraft, achieving proper phase alignment among the blades is critical for optimal aerodynamic efficiency and safety.

In contrast, conditions such as being out of balance typically refer to weight distribution rather than angular movement, being out of alignment usually pertains to the geometric relation of parts rather than their rotational timing, and being out of track describes a scenario where blades do not follow the same vertical path, rather than the phase relationship during their rotation.