GB214305A - A combination helicopter aeroplane - Google Patents

Abstract

214,305. Tennison, G. E. Jan. 6, 1923. Aeroplanes; helicopters; propelling; steering.- Relates to aeroplanes adapted to be converted into helicopter machines by mounting one or more propellers in frames which are pivotally adjustable with or without the driving engines from a forward propulsion to a lifting position. In one arrangement, Fig. 1, the concentric shafts A, A<1>, of propellers B, B' are mounted in an adjustable frame D and are driven in opposite directions through bevel gearing as shown from concentric shafts I, K extending laterally of the craft and adapted to be driven through bevel gearing from one or both of two engines C, C<1>, fixed to the craft by the provision of clutches N. N<1>, and M'. The parts carried by the frame D are balanced about the axis of the shafts I, K and are adjustable about this axis by operation of a shaft carrying a worm F engaging a worm quadrant E on the frame. This operation may be effected manually or through gearing from a worm wheel P adapted to be clutched to one or other of two oppositely-rotated bevel wheels M, J in the driving gear. In a modified arrangement a single propeller is driven through gearing from a rotary engine in an opposite direction to the engine's rotation, the whole being mounted in a pivotally adjustable frame. In further modifications a plurality of frames such as D each carrying a single propeller shaft or two concentric propeller shafts may be separately adjustable with or without the engines. In all cases the arrangement is such that the resultant propeller thrust is applied at the centre of gravity of the craft or is suitably displaced therefrom if the aeroplane is of an acentric type. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specifications 17145/10, 20786/10, 10556/12, 138,667, 172,333, and 172,749.