GB413773A - Improvements in and relating to elevated centrally pivoted rotating aerodromes or airport landing grounds - Google Patents

Abstract

413,773. Aircraft landing. FROBISHER, C., 8, The Crescent, Swaffham, Norfolk. Feb. 7, 1933, No. 3674. [Class 4.] In an elevated landing stage for aircraft, of the type comprising a rotatable platform, the latter consists of a permanently horizontal platform of such a length as to permit aircraft taking off in a natural manner under their own power. The elevated landing platform 1 comprises an elongated structure of the single or double cantilever type and is arranged to be oriented according to the wind direction. The platform may have a pivot 7 which is either central, at one end or may be virtual and it is supported on a circular or semicircular track 11. The pivot 7 and track 11 may be mounted on the same or different buildings and they may be at the same or different heights. Fig. 4 shows the platform 1 with its pivot on a central column and its track on separate columns 2 and the platform may be provided with inclined runways 3, escalators, lifts &c. which are usable when the platform is being oriented. The arrangement shown in Fig. 4 shows the landing platform mounted over a railway system.. The track may support the landing platform by means of travelling cradles. Fig. 7 shows the landing platform 1 supported by a pivot and by a cradle travelling on a semicircular track 11 supported on columns 10, an overhead gangway 12 connecting the ends of the track 11. The surface of the platform is preferably formed of metal mesh, the strength of which may vary along the platform according to the load to be borne. The track may also comprise an annular waterway in which the cradle floats, antifriction rollers being provided to take side or end thrust. The buildings or columns may be used for commercial or other purposes. The landing platform is provided with an arrow to show the direction of the wind and the head of the arrow may become visible at either end of the arrow shaft. Figs. 9<a>, 9<b>, 9<c> shows one method. Strips 1, 2, 3 &c. painted white are secured to and raised slightly from the roadway and in plan view show an arrow head when projecting through the slits 1<11>, 2<11>, 3<11> &c. of a plate B, which, however, when withdrawn a suitable amount obscure the strips 1, 2, 3. Other arrangements comprise depressions painted white adapted to be covered by plates when desired. The direction of the arrow may be altered manually, mechanically &c. Safety devices such as resilient cords under the control of the pilot or control station may be provided to prevent take-off if necessary and the platform may be oriented by power from any suitable source. Electromagnetic brakes may be provided to decelerate the landing planes. Specification 299,698, [Class 4], is referred to.