GB575471A - Improvements in tailless aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

575,471. Tailless aircraft. HILL, G. T. R. March 21, 1944, No. 5272. [Class 4] A tailless aircraft is provided at each wing- tip with a rudder which, whilst occupying a vertical position for use during take-off and landing, or when additional yawing control is required, is capable of being retracted into an inoperative position during normal flight. In the inoperative position, the rudder may be housed within an opening at the wing tip, moved into a position flush with the upper or lower wing surface, or moved into an outboard position in which it forms a span-wise extension of the wing-tip. In the construction according to Figs. 2 and 5, a fin 131 and rudder 132 attached to a carriage 15, are projected from or retracted into an opening in the wing-tip by links 17, and are rotated into the vertical, operative position about pivots 18 by screw gearing 22 operated by a splined shaft 21. In the extended position of the rudder and fin, Fig. 2, a lever 27 on the carriage 15 engages with a second lever 25 on a guide member 14, enabling the rudder, when in a vertical position, to be rotated about a post 23 by levers 29, 30, through an actuating member 24. If the carriage 15 is dispensed with, the rudder and fin unit serves as an extension of the wing-tip when in the inoperative position. In the modification according to Fig. 7, the rudder is housed in a recess 40 formed in the upper or lower wing surface, and in the former case the outboard edge is provided with a skid member 42 which may carry a wheel 43. Controllers 12, functioning both as elevators and ailerons, are provided near the wing-tips.