GB446094A - Improvements relating to aeroplane wings - Google Patents

Abstract

446,094. Aeroplane wings. MESSERSCHMITT, W., 118A, Haunstetterstrasse, Augsburg, Germany. Oct. 18, 1934, No. 29848. Convention date, April 14. Drawings to Specification. [Class 4] In an aeroplane wing in which all sections have their maximum thickness at approximately one third of the wing chord, the form of the leading edge of the wing is varied along its span so as to present one or more relatively sharp edges toward the centre of the span. When the wing is of constant chord and thickness, the radius of curvature of the leading edge may be progressively diminished from the tip of the wing to its centre where the radius of curvature may be zero over a portion of the span. If the wing is of varying cross-section, the radius of curvature at the centre portion of the span is less than that of a section having the same chord and a section geometrically similar to that at the wing tips and in this case the decrease in the radius of curvature may not be absolute. The relatively sharp leading edge may be achieved by securing to the wing over a central portion of its span ribs or fillets of pointed section. Alternatively, a groove or a pointed, stepped, projection may be formed at the central portion of the wing span.