GB764684A - Improved apparatus for assisting or facilitating the landing and the take-off of aircraft on and from comparatively narrow strips - Google Patents

Abstract

764,684. Aircraft launching and alighting. GOETA, G. July 17, 1953 [July 22, 1952], No. 19899/53. Class 4. Apparatus for facilitating the landing or take-off of aircraft on narrow strips in winds having a severe side component comprises means on the aircraft for producing an air stream having a transverse component developing a force on the aircraft at or near its centre of pressure opposite to that produced by the side wind component. In Fig. 11 is shown an aircraft fitted with two turbojets 2, 3 rotatable about vertical axes and having their intensities variable by transmissions 4 of known type from the pilot's cabin. The turbojets may be retractable and disposed on the wings, empennage, or undercarriage. For take-off, the pilot rotates the turbojets to face the wind, and controls their intensities in accordance with the indication of a transverse wind speed indicator. The two units are preferably independently controlled, and are situated symmetrically with respect to the lateral centre of pressure. The side force produced enables the aircraft to take off from a narrow strip with its longitudinal axis in the direction of motion. In very severe winds, the axis may be inclined into the wind. After take off, the turbojets are stopped, left to cool, and then retracted. The reverse applies for landing. The turbojets may also be rotated to act as boosters, or as braking jets. Only one engine may be used, preferably disposed near the centre of pressure. Other types of engine may be used, or the engine may be housed in the fuselage, and have exhaust conduits leading outside the aircraft and variable in direction. Other applications are to reduce sideslipping and to assist accurate launching of freight, to produce a couple to balance the yaw torque upon failure of one engine, and to facilitate manoeuvring on land, sea, or a flight deck.