GB351896A - Landing device for high speed aeroplanes - Google Patents

Abstract

351,896. Aeroplane landing gear. MESSIER, G. L. R. J., 29, Avenue LÚon Gambetta, Montrouge, Seine, France. Dec. 22, 1930, No. 38532. Convention date, Dec. 23, 1929. [Class 4.] An aeroplane landing gear is connected to the ends of a beam pivoted near the centre of gravity of the machine or connected to a hydraulic system balanced about the centre of gravity. Means for retracting the gear during flight may be provided. Fig. 6 shows wheels R<1>, R<2> or pairs of wheels side by side, connected to a beam B pivoted at A near the centre of gravity G. A spring S keeps the beam in normal position during flight. Alternatively the wheels may be connected to pistons P<1>, P<2>, Fig. 7, in cylinders interconnected by a passage D and containing oil or compressed air, the diameters of the cylinders being inversely, proportional to their distances from the centre of gravity G. A spring S or compressed air under one piston preserves the normal position during flight. Two forward and one rear wheel may be connected to pistons in three interconnected cylinders, or the rear wheel may be connected to two cylinders to avoid lateral interconnection. Shock absorbing wheels as described in Specification 333,119, [Class 144 (i), Wheels for vehicles], or wheels with large tyres may be used, or each wheel R, Fig. 10, may have oleo-pneumatic or pneumatic suspension devices as described in Specification 321,035, [Class 108 (iii), Springs &c.], wherein pistons 3 move in cylinders 2. The cylinders 2 themselves form the pistons of cylinders C of the balancing gear, which are interconnected by the pipe D. The device is pivoted about an axle 10 to enable it to be raised during flight by a pneumatic cylinder 13, Fig. 13. The pivoted device normally rests against a stop 14 where it is held by a cable 15 wound around a spring drum connected to a ratchet wheel 16 with locking pawl 17. When air is supplied to the cylinder 13 to raise the wheels the pawl 17 is raised by a piston 19. Should the compressed air fail the parts fall into and are locked in their operative position. Similar wheels under the wing tips, for preserving lateral stability on the ground, are pivoted to move laterally into the wings. One of the wheels may be mounted on a swivelling hub for steering on the ground.