GB430071A - Improvement in aeroplanes - Google Patents

Abstract

430,071. Aircraft carrying other aircraft. BOULTON & PAUL, Ltd., Riverside Works, and NORTH, J. D., Hill House, Eaton, both in Norwich. Dec. 11, 1933, No. 33023/34. Divided out of 429,948. [Class 4] In a compound aeroplane comprising two aircraft elements releasably attached one above the other so that they both assist in the take-off and climb, means are provided for measuring and indicating the forces transmitted through the attachments to enable the pilot to ascertain when the appropriate conditions for safe separation are obtained. As shown, the upper component is connected to the wings of the lower element, vertically above its landing-gear, by quick-release devices. Load-measuring devices to enable the magnitude of the forces and the couples between the two elements to be determined and comprising links 26, 29 and an elastic capsule 31 connected to a pressure gauge and filled with an incompressible fluid, are provided at the attachments. The abutment 33 prevents undue movement, a second capsule may be provided for indicating the presence of compressive forces at the attachments and in this case the pressure sensitive devices at each joint may be connected to a differential pressure gauge. The pressure gauges are provided with needles, the rotational movement of which indicate the nature of the forces at the attachments. The three needles may be on a single dial, marked at at 37, 38 so that from their intersection within the circle safe conditions for release may be indicated. The fluid capsules may also actuate wards 45 having keyways 49 co-operating with keys 42 on a plunger 39 held in position by a key 43, against the action of springs to provide automatic means for ensuring safe release. The compound aeroplane may be controlled in the manner described in Specification 429,948.