GB343630A - Improvements relating to the control of aeroplanes - Google Patents

Abstract

343,630. Aeroplane controls. CHICK, J. S., Central Flying School, Royal Air Force, Wittering, Northamptonshire. Dec. 5, 1929, No. 37263. [Class 4.] An aeroplane is controlled by ailerons which are so constructed as to be operable as controllable drag surfaces independently of their function as ailerons. Each aileron, Fig. 2, is in two parts 12A, 12B having substantially coaxial hinges 12C. Operating cables 12E, 12F from aileron flaps 12A, 12B are led round a pulley 13, Fig. 5, mounted on an arm 14 forming part of a rudder bar 15 pivoted at 15A. From the pulley 13 the cables are led round pulleys 16 disposed on either side of a control column 17. The cable 12 is crossed and both cables are connected to the column 17, or when wheel control is employed, pass round the usual wheel sprockets. Operation of the rudder bar to one side causes the aileron on that side to split, the resulting unbalanced drag causing the machine to yaw to that side, Fig. 5. Lateral movement of the control column 17 causes application of the ailerons in normal manner causing the unsplit ailerons to move as one and the split aileron to move oppositely but still split at the angle determined by the rudder bar setting. The operation of the drag surfaces may be independent of the rudder or only applied after a certain amount of rudder movement; the rudder may be dispensed with. They may be semi-automatic to function only at low speeds and may be balanced. The pulleys 13 may be slidable along the arm 14 causing the ailerons to function as air brakes, when the rudder bar is neutral. A modification is mentioned in which operation of the drag surfaces is effected by fore and aft movement of their axes.