GB767237A - Improvements in aeroplanes - Google Patents

Abstract

767,237. Aircraft with variable-area wings. MARTIN, J. V. Oct. 28, 1954, No. 31140/54. Class 4. An aircraft has a central wing of delta planform and outer wing sections which may be telescoped within the central wing in overlapping relationship. The central wing 1 has leading edges swept back at approximately 45 degrees into edges which are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and apertured to receive overlapping wing sections 2p and 2s respectively provided with flaps 2b and 2c and ailerons 2<SP>1</SP> and 2a. The wing 1 has ailerons 1<SP>1</SP> and 1a and these may be operated at low speeds to act as flaps in conjunction with flaps 2b and 2c. Propulsion is by gas-turbine engines 6 and supplementary air intakes 29 are provided in the leading edges in the region of boundary layer fences (not shown) whereby excessive drag at the tip portions of the central wing may be reduced. The central wing structure comprises a leading edge spar 11 and partial rear spars 13 which respectively carry rollers 19 and 16, to support the wings 2p and 2s during transverse movement. A central power source (not shown) drives shafts 25 through clutches 24 to move the wings which are each formed with racks 22 co-operating with pinions 23 on the shafts 25. Mechanism is described whereby the ailerons 2<SP>1</SP> and 2a may be operated at any transverse position of the outer wings and sliding clasp fasteners are provided to protect the racks 22. A fuel tank may be mounted on each tip portion of wing 1 and the outer wings may also be constructed as tanks.