GB126365A - Improvements in Aircraft. - Google Patents

Abstract

126,365. Roe, A. V. Jan. 11, 1917. Cars and cabins; framework; planes, arrangement of.-The space between the top of the body and the plane of an aeroplane or seaplane is filled in by a turret-like structure of stream-line form, to which the plane is secured. Figs. 1 and 2 show the invention applied to a biplane, the space between the upper plane B and the body A being filled by a turret T constructed on arched formers F, F<1> of plywood, aluminium, metal tubing, &c., secured to the body rails and struts. The spars f, f<1> of the plane B are supported by the formers F, F', and the plane C is arranged in staggered relationship. The pilot's cockpit D is arranged at the rear end of the turret, which is cut away at G, H to provide view-openings. The gun-pit E is placed behind the cockpit. A head-guard may be arranged to be raised when the pilot desires to see over the top plane, and transparent sheets may be provided in the openings G, H; also, the turret may be extended to form a covering for the rear seat. Planes, construction of.-The central part b of the top plane is made of reduced width to accommodate the pilot. Guns and gun mountings, disposition of.-The turret T provides housing for one or more guns firing through openings J, K allowing vertical adjustment of the guns. A fixed gun may also be arranged to fire through the propeller boss. The increased height of the body enables the rear gun operated from the gun-pit E to be raised clear of the top plane.