GB463957A - Instructional device for aircraft pilots - Google Patents

Abstract

463,957. Training devices for aeroplanes pilots. KRONFELD, R. Oct. 5, 1935, No. 27573. [Class 4] A device for the training of aeroplane pilots and which is adapted to be propelled over the ground but is or may be rendered incapable of sustained flight comprises a pilot's seat and a control system adapted so to displace it about various axes during motion as to simulate the control system of a normal fixed wing aircraft and means preferably of an elastic nature for temporarily constraining or restricting its displacement about one or more axes. In one form the machine comprises a keel or boom 1 carrying a conventional tail unit at its rear end, a seat and control gear for the pupil at its forward end, and, intermediately, a framework constituted by welded tubes 8 supporting a cantilever wing 9, and an engine 10 driving a propeller 11. Wing 9 is of aerofoil form at its outer ends only, either by reason of removal of part of the ribs and covering or by design. The undercarriage comprises wheels 15 rotatable about a common transverse axle 16 disposed in a vertical plane passing through or slightly in front of the centre of gravity of the machine, axle 16 being carried by a pyramidal structure 17 pivoted about a central longitudinal tube 18. A tail wheel 6 is carried by the rudder and wheels or skids 19 are mounted at the wing tips and the nose. Rocking of the machine about axis 18 may be restrained if desired and to any desired extent by the provision of adjustable tension members 20, Fig. 1. When provision is made for the accommodation of two persons the upper ends of struts 18 may be secured to a triangular frame surrounding the passenger's seat which is placed at the centre of gravity, the frame being attached to the structure by separate front and rear pivots. Alternatively, a threewheel undercarriage may be provided, pivoted to the structure about both longitudinal and fore-and-aft axes. In a modification, a fixed undercarriage is provided having two wheels of which the track may be varied to alter the lateral controllability.