GB490214A - Launching and landing device for aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

490,214. Aircraft launching-apparatus. MARJERAM, A. E. Feb. 6, 1937, No. 3586. [Class 4] A launching device for aircraft comprises a mechanically-driven endless track and a carrier element on which the aircraft is mounted and which is adapted to be frictionally coupled to the track when the latter is in motion. The endless track device consists of a series of units each including a metal plate a, Figs. 1 and 2, pivotally carried by two axles on which are journalled wheels b<1> engaging inner guide rails D and wheels b<2> engaging outer rails DD. The track units or some of them carry electric motors m driving wheels b<1> through gearing. The framework carrying the guide rails is formed as a turn-table and includes a circular platform S which may be level with the surface of an aerodrome. The rails are horizontal along the upper run of the track and approach and run-off platforms AP and RO, respectively, are provided at the ends of the horizontal portion of the tracks, Fig. 2. The aircraft to be launched is placed on a carrier comprising a cradle CR, Fig. 8, a propelling arm PR, wheels provided with brakes and and a retaining coupling. To effect a launch the carrier is run on the track and held stationary by the coupling whilst the track is speeded up. It is then released and the brakes applied so that it moves with increasing speed along the track until it mounts the run-off platform where the wheel brakes serve to arrest it, the aircraft leaving the carrier under its own power. According to the Provisional Specification the device may be used for arresting an aircraft on landing.