GB191104165A - A Method of, and Means for, Regulating the Speed and Altitude of Flying Machines provided with Gyroscopically Acting Stabilizing Propellers. - Google Patents

Abstract

4165. Mees, G. April 26, 1910, [Convention date]. Aerial machines without aerostats; propelling; steering.-In flying-machines with gyroscopically-acting lifting- propellers K as described in Specifications 25,749/10 and 2041/11, the axes of the propellers are arranged in front of the centre of gravity of the machine, and the speed and altitude of the machine are controlled by adjusting the blades of the propellers so as to regulate the incidence of and the load on the sustaining-planes H. The machine is provided with a tail plane S, pivoted at o and connected by an arm u and rod m to the swinging seat frame a<2> as described in Specification 2904/11. The seat is prevented from swinging rearwardly of its normal position by stops i which contact with uprights p, but the seat can swing forwardly against the action of a restraining-spring g when the speed of the machine decreases suddenly. The movement of the seat increases the incidence of the tail plane, which prevents the machine from heeling over backwards. The normal angle of incidence of the tail plane is arranged at 1 or 2 degrees less than that of the main plane, and the load is arranged so that the main plane carries the greater load per unit of area. When the machine is started, the tail tends to rise before the main planes and the lifting-propellers are then adjusted to raise the front of the machine. When the machine is on the ground, the planes are at a comparatively large incidence, but as soon as the machine is in flight the action of the lifting-propellers is decreased by the aviator and the machine dips at the front, reducing the incidence of the planes, so that an increase of speed is obtained. In order that the machino should be balanced fore and aft, the angle of incidence of the tail plane must be smaller than that of the main planes in proportion to the difference in the specific loads on the planes. The angle of incidence of the tail plane can be adjusted before or during flight by an adjusting-nut n on the rod m. The shaft w of the propeller is mounted so that it is slightly inclined upwards at the start and is horizontal during normal flight. The tail plane S is arranged to lie in the prolongation of the axis of the shaft w so that the plane receives a direct pull. The stabilizing-propellers are arranged with their axes inclined backwards, so that the propellers act as rotating bearing-planes when the pitch of the blades is zero. The lifting-thrust of the propellers also has a rearwardly-directed horizontal component which serves to reduce the speed of the machine when landing.