GB533900A - Improvements in or relating to folding-wing aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

533,900. Aircraft with folding wings. FAIREY AVIATION CO., Ltd., and LOBELLE, M. J. O. Dec. 13, 1939, No. 32135. [Class 4] In order to reduce the stowage space required, a folding wing aircraft has the tips of its tail planes and elevators turnable about axes parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and preferably also parallel to the chord lines of the tail planes and elevators. The locking means for the tips cooperate with the tips of the main wings to hold them in their folded position and prevent them from being unfolded until the foldable portions of the tail planes have been secured in their flying position. The tips h, g of the tail plane and elevater pivot about pins d on the front and rear spars of the tail plane, and in the flying position lugs k are secured between lugs j by a bolt m sliding in guides n and by an offset bolt o on the bolt m near the forward spar. The forward end of the bolt m has a saddle piece w which engages the tip of the main wing x when the bolt is drawn forwardly to unlock the tail. plane tips. A pin p on the bolt m is engaged by a lever q having a handle r extending through the plane, a locking quadrant, not shown, being provided. A spring urges the bolt into its locked position. The saddle piece w does not disengage the wing x until the bolt m is completely shot, ,and means are provided to prevent the bolt from being shot home until the tips h, g are in their flying position. For this purpose an arcuate extension may be provided on one of the lugs k to block the passage through the lugs j when the tips are raised. Alternatively, a spring plunger may close the gap between the lugs j as the lug k is withdrawn. Fig. 12 shows an alternative arrangement wherein a link 37 pivoted on a bellcrank lever 27 is moved from between the lugs j when a roller 36 is engaged by the descending inner edge of the tip h. A stay 41, Fig. 2, may secure the tips in their raised position. The outer jaws of the saddle pieces w may be formed as spring latches to allow the wing x to be folded after the tips h, g have been raised but preventing return movement of the wing. Specification 461,158 is referred to.