GB200057A - Improvements in flying machines - Google Patents

Abstract

200,057. Fortescue, A. J. June 29, 1922, [Convention date]. Aeroplanes; planes, arrangement of; cars; guns, disposition of. - An aircraft is supported on four or more laterally - placed planes adjustable simultaneously in incidence and is driven by a centrally placed propeller, ailerons being provided on two or more of the planes, and a rudder and elevators being situated in the slip - stream of the propeller. The Figure shows a machine supported by pairs of front and rear biplanes 17, 19 pivoted about axes 30 on opposite sides of a frame 11 having a central bracing- post 12. A fixed tail plane 50 and a fin are arranged at the rear of the machine. The biplane units may be replaced by monoplanes. The pilot's cockpit 15 is arranged at the front of the machine, and two lateral cars 29 for gunners or passengers are arranged at the sides. Land wheels 14 are arranged beneath the machine, and may be replaced by or used with floats for alighting on water. Tanks, arrangement of.-The fuel tanks are arranged in the cars 29 and connected so that equal quantities of fuel are taken from each. Propelling; stopping way.-An engine 16 direct-coupled to a propeller 31 is provided to the rear of the post 12, substantially at the centres of area of the planes and of balance of the machine, and a second propeller 32, adapted to neutralize the thrust of the propeller 31, may be clutched to an extension of the engine shaft or, in a modification, to a counter-shaft driven in the opposite .direction therefrom by spur gearing. Steering and balancing.-The planes 17, 19 are either secured to spars 30 which rotate in the main frame 11, or the spars are fixed and the planes journaled on them. The planes are connected to levers 22 by levers 21, 23 having pin- and-slot connections with the levers 22, and are adjusted simultaneously to a positive or negative incidence by a hand-wheel 36. Ailerons 27 are arranged on two or more planes 17, 19, for lateral balancing. A rudder 26 and a pair of additional elevators 25 are provided in the slip stream from the propeller 31, the main planes 17, 19 being clear of the slip stream. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a.) comprises also provision for adjusting the front and rear planes independently, or for adjusting the planes independently on the two sides of the machine or for warping them. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.