GB191110301A - Improvements in Aerodromes. - Google Patents

Abstract

10,301. Hutson, W. A. April 28. Teaching and training, apparatus for.-Means for learning or performing aerial navigation without danger comprise an elevated guidetrack coacting with guideframes upon the aeroplane, whereby vertical and lateral movement of the aeroplane is restricted' while the machine is free in its flight. Fig. 2 shows a transverse view of the track at the starting point, with an aeroplane 20 in position for starting; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the wiring for the electrical arrangements. Towers 1 are arranged in pairs round the track, and support pivoted arms 10 which are adjustable lengthways and carry cables 12 kept taut by weights at their ends. The height of the cables can be adjusted by electric motors 9 adapted to swing the arms 10. Bars 17 cross the track between each pair of towers for supporting the trolly wires 18, which supply current to the motor on the aeroplane through trolly wheels 24 and flexible conductors 23. The aeroplane is fitted with vertical rods 26, laterally extending rods 27, 28, and pivoted rods 29, 30 which are normally vertical but can swing in a longitudinal plane, controlled by springs, in order to pass over the bars 10. The bars 27, 28 limit the vertical movement, and the bars 29, 30 the transverse movement, of the aeroplane. The electrical system comprises means for supplying current to the driving motor of the aeroplane and means for controlling the motors 9 on the towers individually or collectively. From the generator 31, Fig. 5, a wire runs to the point 35 on the switchboard 33 for controlling the motors 9 individually, and thence current is taken to one pole of each motor 9 by wires 37, the return leads being by wires 38. For operating the motors in series, a switchboard is provided with four switches 40, 41, 42, 43. To operate the outer series of motors, connexion is made from the point 35 to point 47, thence through the circuitbreaker 49, wires 50, 51, and switch 42 to the wire 44 and thence back to the generator. To operate the inner series connexion is made between point 35 and point 47, circuitbreaker 49, wire 50, switch 41, to wire 45, and back through switch 43.