GB619254A - Improvements in and relating to aeroplane landing gear - Google Patents

Abstract

619,254. Retractable landing-gear. WEIGNER, O. Jan. 15, 1947, No. 35261/46. [Class 4] A retractable landing gear for an aircraft, comprises a frame 1 having members depending from each end thereof, to the common junction of which is pivoted on a tube 4 a pair of members 3 having forked ends in which are journalled the wheels 2 and which are held in the position C by the shock-absorber 5 when the aircraft is in the air. Immediately prior to landing, the frame 1 is lowered from the position A to the position B by known mechanical or hydraulic means and in so doing connects the starter 8, 9, 10 to an electric motor 7 which by chain or sprocket drive 15, 17 rotates the wheels 2 to reduce the shock as the wheels touch the ground. After landing, the wheels and forked member 3 by compressing the shock-absorber 5 move to the position D and de-energize the motor 7. Modifications include the use of a pair of motors 7 independently coupled by level gearing to one each of the wheels 2, but connected in series electrically. The motors may be used as generators in order to retard the aircraft on the ground and the braking effect controlled differentially by varying the field resistance, or the motor 7 may be used to drive a hydraulic pump driving a hydraulic motor coupled to the wheels and the braking effect thereof in reverse operation varied by a suitable control valve in the pipe-line. In a further modification, a separate power circuit and gearing may be used for manoeuvring the aircraft on the ground without the use of the propellers.