GB919793A - Improvements relating to aircraft wings - Google Patents

Abstract

919,793. Aircraft control surfaces. CACIAGLI, S. Nov. 14, 1961, No. 40715/61. Class 4. An aircraft wing has two sets of surfaces each pivoted about a span-wise axis lying downstream of the leading edge, the surfaces of one set being movable relatively to each other and extending forwardly to the leading edge, the surfaces of the other set being movable relatively to each other and extending towards the trailing edge, and means for pivoting the surfaces between retracted and extended positions relative to the wing. Fig. 8 is a cross-section through the surfaces in extended position, showing the wing in broken line. The upper surface 36 of one set and the lower surface of 42 of the other are integral, as are the surfaces 38, 40. In the retracted position, these surfaces and a fixed part 32 constitute the normal wing profile. The one set of surfaces 36, 38 and the other set 40, 42 may pivot about different axes, being interconnected by gearing so that the two sets pivot together, possibly through different angles. When. extended, the surfaces increase drag and reduce lift, to provide yawing and rolling moments if operated in one wing only, or acting as airbrakes if operated in both wings. The surfaces may be perforated to increase their drag. A plurality of such sets of surfaces may be disposed side by side in a wing, the angular movement of the surfaces for a given control command by a human or automatic pilot increasing going spanwise. The surfaces in the two wings may be operated by independent pedals subject to one-way acting centering springs. The pivots for the surfaces may be extensions of the wing spars.