GB744094A - Stabilisation and steering devices for dirigible craft - Google Patents

Abstract

744,094. Automatic steering systems. SMITH & SONS (ENGLAND), Ltd., S. July 16, 1954 [July 29, 1953], No. 20995/53. Addition to 707,388, [Group XXIX]. Class 38 (4). [Also in Group XXIXI An improvement in the aircraft control system of the parent Specification comprises means for adjusting the anchorage of a spring 407 to maintain the aircraft on a course or at a pre-set height &c. The anchorage consists of an arm 451 movable about a point 452 by an electric motor 453. A pre-set barometric capsule 462 for detecting deviation in height and a rate of climb instrument 464 send signals to a differential device 461, the output of which passes through a switch 460 to a differential 458, the other input to which is a feedback from an electric pick-off device 455 positioned by the arm 451. The output of the differential 458 is fed to a further differential 457 which is also fed by a tachometric signal generator 454 driven by the motor 453 to provide a damping feedback signal. The output from the differential 457 passes through an amplifier 456 and switch 459 to the motor. The arrangement is such that when the demand signal from the differential 461 is reduced to zero or when the switch 460 is opened the pick-off 455 will be brought in a substantially exponential subsidence to its zero position. The spring 407 controls the elevators. In a modification, the spring controls the ailerons in response to signals from a compass repeater and a radio beam receiver. In a further modification, the rudder is controlled in response to signals from a sideslip pendulum similar to that in Specification 611,037 in conjunction with' an electromechanical integrator whereby the control is in accordance with the sideslip and the time integral thereof. The integrator may be eliminated by a switch.