GB337892A - Improvements in or relating to aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

337,892. Gilbert, W. V. Dec. 8, 1928, [Convention date]. Aeroplanes; planes, arrangement and construction of; controlling.-Aeroplane wings of which the camber and dihedral angle can be varied in flight each comprise a main spar C braced towards its outer end by auxiliary spars A, B, articulatively connected to the main spar C, means being provided for controlling or adjusting the relative position of the inner ends of the spars. The inner ends of the spars A, B are articulatively connected to sleeves I, K, respectively, adapted to slide on a longeron, links E, F, or ribs maintaining the spar C at its correct distance from them. The movement of sleeves I, K is restricted so as always to maintain the inner end of spar C above those of spars A, B. The inner end 4 of the main spar C is linked by an extension D to an apex joint 5 to which is similarly connected the extension of the main spar of the complementary wing. Links G, H connect the joint 5 to sleeves I, K. Thus alteration in the camber produced by movement of sleeves I, K causes variation of the dihedral of the wings. In a modification, Fig. 4, the extensions D on opposite sides are approximately collinear and links H are omitted, variation of dihedral being effected by causing the longerons or guides for sleeves I, K to approach or recede from one another by mechanism such as shown at L. Both the sleeves I and K may be operated or one pair only operated and the other allowed limited movement against spring-operated stops. The guide for the moving sleeve may be arranged at an angle to the wing chord at its inner end so that a change in camber also causes a change in incidence. The wing ribs may be flexible or be formed in two parts and hinged about the longitudinal axis of spar C.