초록 ▼

A dual-configuration airfoil having a thin profile which is adapted to foster high-speed flight, and having a pivotable portion on the upper surface which is movable upwardly for selectively increasing the thickness of the airfoil. In one embodiment, the pivotable portion pivots about an axis which

A dual-configuration airfoil having a thin profile which is adapted to foster high-speed flight, and having a pivotable portion on the upper surface which is movable upwardly for selectively increasing the thickness of the airfoil. In one embodiment, the pivotable portion pivots about an axis which coincides generally with the leading edge of the airfoil. The thickness of the airfoil when the pivotable portion is fully raised is about twice the thickness of the airfoil when the pivotable portion is fully retracted. A rigid connecting section forms part of the airfoil\s upper surface immediately behind the pivotable portion. The connecting section is also movable, such that a substantially continuous and rigid surface is presented to the air moving over the airfoil\s upper surface during such times as the pivotable portion is being pivoted upward and downward－as well as when the pivotable portion is fixedly held. A rearwardly directed nozzle is located adjacent the aft edge of the pivotable portion, and it is oriented such that it can discharge a gaseous fluid (e.g., air) over the connecting section. A source of pressurized fluid, such as an engine-driven compressor or a fan, is adapted to be connected with said nozzle. And, a control or regulating valve is provided for adjusting the discharge of fluid from said source over the connecting section. Preferably, the connecting section is configured so as to cause the air which flows thereover to decelerate in a controlled manner, and preferably the deceleration occurs faster nearer the leading part of said section than near the trailing part thereof. In one embodiment, the means for adjusting the discharge of fluid from said nozzle includes a linkage which is connected to a movable control surface, such as a trailing edge flap. In this way, moving the flap down to a landing position can automatically cause fluid to be discharged from the nozzle and over a selected portion of the airfoil.

대표청구항 ▼

An airfoil construction, comprising: (a) upper and lower surface structure which connects leading and trailing edges so as to form a relatively thin profile which is adapted to foster high speed flight, with one portion of the upper surface structure being pivotable upward about a hinge line that co

An airfoil construction, comprising: (a) upper and lower surface structure which connects leading and trailing edges so as to form a relatively thin profile which is adapted to foster high speed flight, with one portion of the upper surface structure being pivotable upward about a hinge line that coincides generally with the leading edge of the airfoil, for increasing the thickness of the airfoil, and the chordwise length of said pivotable portion being substantially less than the chord length; (b) a connecting section which forms part of the airfoil upper surface structure immediately aft of the pivotable portion, and said section being positionable for presenting a substantially continuous and rigid surface to the air moving over the upper surface structure during such times as the pivotable portion is being pivoted upward and downward, and the connecting section cooperating with the remainder of the airfoil upper surface when the connecting section is lowered to establish an elongated convex cross section for high speed fight, and the connecting section also cooperating with the remainder of the airfoil upper surface when the connecting section is fully raised to establish a compound curvature having both concave and convex portions for fostering low speed flight; (c) a rearwardly directed nozzle located adjacent the aft edge of the pivotable portion and oriented such that it can discharge a gaseous fluid over the connecting section; (d) a source of pressurized fluid adapted to be connected with said nozzle; and (e) control means for adjusting the discharge of fluid from said source over the connecting section.