GB578043A - Improvements in or relating to vehicle transport - Google Patents

Abstract

578,043. Air transport. BAYNES, L. E., and MUNTZ & CO., Ltd., A. Nov. 24, 1941, No. 15135. [Class 4] An armoured car or a boat is fitted with a detachable wing unit of the tail-less type with controls operable from the car or boat to enable the latter to be transported by air. A wing unit comprising a central section 16 and swept-back portions 17, 18, of zero incidence at the tips, are shown secured to an armoured " tank " by bolts 23, 26, Fig. 4, entering projections from a main spar 21 and the edges of a cut-away portion of a subsidiary spar 24. The bolts are operable simultaneously by hydraulic power when it is required to discard the wings. Each wing 17, 18 has an end fin 36 and rudder 37, and an aileron 38. The rudder and aileron on each wing are connected to pins 53, 54 on a disc 52 carrying a drum connected by cables to a lever 48 or 49 in the wing, the two levers 48, 49 being'connected by links 46, 47 to an arm 44 on a rod 41 fitted with a hand wheel 40. Rotary movements of the hand wheel move the ailerons and rudders in opposite directions to different degrees on the two sides of the wing unit. Fore-and-aft movement of the wheel and rod 41 move both ailerons in the same direction to act as elevators. The wheel 40 is accessible from the tank turret 14. A slot 19 in the central portion of the wing enables the gun 15 of the tank to be used during flight. The combined vehicle and plane may be towed by another aircraft or it may be fitted with propellers driven from the vehicle engine. Before alighting, the tracks 12 are driven at approximately the alighting speed. A similar lifting surface is described for use with a boat, wing tip floats being provided. A ground-contacting member may be fitted to release the wing unit automatically upon alighting. Specification 24462/13, [Class 4], is referred to.