초록 ▼

An improved ground-run/skid-braking and/or maneuvering control system for an aircraft or ground effect machine having an air cushion type undercarriage of the type comprising an elastically retractable inflatable trunk or other air inflatable air cushion confining device fabricated of elastic sheet

An improved ground-run/skid-braking and/or maneuvering control system for an aircraft or ground effect machine having an air cushion type undercarriage of the type comprising an elastically retractable inflatable trunk or other air inflatable air cushion confining device fabricated of elastic sheet material. The braking/control system comprises a mechanically actuated multiple spine system disposed interiorly of the trunk fabric; and is operable under pilot control to cause portions of the trunk to curvilinearly project downwardly below the basic footprint level of the trunk when inflated, to provide the desired ground-friction braking/maneuvering effects. The projected portions of the trunk are externally armored by means of wear/tear resistant friction pads which are relatively pleat-folding automatically incidental to elastic contractions of the trunk sheet material, to minimize craft flight drag effects.

대표청구항 ▼

In an aircraft, in combination; an aircraft body having a bottom surface; a flexible inflatable bag-like trunk formed of elastic sheet material circumscribing at least a portion of said bottom surface to define an air cushion space therebelow; means for maintaining the interior of said trunk under s

In an aircraft, in combination; an aircraft body having a bottom surface; a flexible inflatable bag-like trunk formed of elastic sheet material circumscribing at least a portion of said bottom surface to define an air cushion space therebelow; means for maintaining the interior of said trunk under superatmospheric air pressure to balloon it downwardly below said bottom surface of the body, said trunk when inflated having a footprint area; means for supplying said air cushion space with air at a rate sufficient to elevate said aircraft from a reaction surface; said trunk including brake means on said footprint area thereof for engaging the reaction surface; said brake means comprising at least one brake unit including an elastomeric base plate portion affixed to the sheet material of said trunk externally thereof and having paired longitudinally parallel running friction brake shoes extending therefrom; and actuation means under aircraft operator control for causing said brake unit and its associated portion of the trunk sheet to be elastically projected below the normal footprint area profile of said trunk device with said friction brake shoes deployed in unison for contact with a reaction surface; whereby upon deactivation of said actuation means said elastically projected portions of said trunk sheet return to normal trunk inflation condition, and whereby upon deflation of said trunk said brake shoes assume paired pleat-folded relationships to accommodate elastic contractions of associated portions of said trunk sheet.