GB543024A - A helicopter with revolving wings, power and propeller units - Google Patents

Abstract

543,024. Convertible aircraft. PRATT, R. C. July 2, 1940, No. 11168. [Class 4] In an aircraft which is convertible from a helicopter to an aeroplane by rotation of the wings 9 carrying the propellers from a vertical position to a horizontal position, the roots of the wings are rigidly fixed to inner drums 3 mounted between outer drums 2 built into each side of the fuselage and a central bearing 7, the inner drums being simultaneously or independently revolvable on bearings 4. The engines may also be carried by the wings, or they may be mounted on extension units 8 of the inner drums, the drive being taken to gearboxes in the wings. The propellers may also be carried with the engines by the extension units 8, or the latter may be provided with gear boxes and the engines mounted in the fuselage. A toothed ring 5 on each inner drum is driven from gearing &c. and the drums can be locked in position. A retractable undercarriage for use with the wings in the horizontal or vertical position comprises a wheel 12 and support 17 swivel mounted in a hollow tube 15, which may include a shock absorber, the tube 15 being mounted on a rotatable axle 18 whereby the wheel and leg may be retracted or extended. A strut 16 of crescentsection is provided at one end with a roller 21 which can be moved along a track 22 by a double acting plunger 23. The latter also acts as a shock absorber. When landing or launching with the wings in the vertical position, the undercarriage occupies the retracted position, the wheel unit being extended a short distance from the hollow leg 15.