GB437910A - Improvements in or relating to aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

437,910. Aircraft. OEHMICHEN, E. E., Rue des Graviers, Valentigney, Doubs, France. Oct. 1, 1934, Nos. 28069 and 28070. Convention dates, Oct. 23, 1933 and Oct. 31, 1933. [Class 4] The supporting surface of an aircraft is constituted in part by an elongated flexible or rigid envelope 1 filled with air and in part by planes or fins 6, 7, connected thereto, the motor 10 and cabin 11 being rigidly secured below the envelope 1 so that an automatic stabilizing effect results, while the craft is raised and propelled by means of a pair of laterally disposed propellers 2, 2<1>. When not in flight the aircraft rests on the ground on shock-absorbers 4, 4<1> and 5 with the axis X, X<1> of the envelope at such an inclination B to the horizontal that the lifting effort of the screws 2, 2<1> is directed substantially through the centre of gravity G of the whole craft. In consequence, as soon as the craft is raised, since the centre of volume V of the envelope is above G, the envelope tends immediately to assume its normal position of flight. To obtain a directly vertical take-off, therefore, an auxiliary screw 3 is provided to counterbalance the restoring couple brought into play. Subsequently, the effort of the screw is gradually diminished, the envelope gradually assumes an horizontal position, and the screws 2, 2<1>, now exerting their effort, in an inclined direction, both sustain and propel the craft. In order to vary the effort of the screws 3, these may be of a variable pitch and inclination; or, in substitution therefor, a balancing weight may be adapted for movement longitudinally of the craft. The shock-absorbers or landing feet 4, 4<1> are preferably retractable, and landing slides 12, 12<1> may be used in place thereof. The air in the envelope is not necessarily entirely enclosed thereby, and more than one envelope may be provided. Specifications 375,931, 380,210, and 393,687 are referred to.