Abstract: A rotation joint and methods for rotationally coupling a swing tip assembly to a fluid-dynamic body are presented. A rotation plate configured to couple to the swing tip assembly comprises a slide ring comprising an open center, an upper slide surface, an inner slide surface, and a lower slide surface. An upper joint plate is slidably coupled to the upper slide surface and the inner slide surface is configured to couple the fluid-dynamic body. A lower joint plate is slidably coupled to the lower slide surface and the inner slide surface, and is coupled to the upper joint plate through the open center. The lower joint plate is configured to couple to the fluid-dynamic body.

Abstract: A device and methods for low speed performance improvement of a lifting surface assembly are disclosed. At least one vortex generator is coupled to the lifting surface assembly, and the vortex generator is extended through the lifting surface assembly by drooping a hinged leading coupled to the lifting surface assembly to increase lift. The vortex generator is retracted inside the lifting surface assembly to decrease drag.

Abstract: A rotation joint and methods for rotationally coupling a swing tip assembly to a fluid-dynamic body are presented. A rotation plate configured to couple to the swing tip assembly comprises a slide ring comprising an open center, an upper slide surface, an inner slide surface, and a lower slide surface. An upper joint plate is slidably coupled to the upper slide surface and the inner slide surface is configured to couple the fluid-dynamic body. A lower joint plate is slidably coupled to the lower slide surface and the inner slide surface, and is coupled to the upper joint plate through the open center. The lower joint plate is configured to couple to the fluid-dynamic body.

Abstract: A device and methods for low speed performance improvement of a lifting surface assembly are disclosed. At least one vortex generator is coupled to the lifting surface assembly, and the vortex generator is extended through the lifting surface assembly by drooping a hinged leading coupled to the lifting surface assembly to increase lift. The vortex generator is retracted inside the lifting surface assembly to decrease drag.

Abstract: Aircraft wing assemblies having both composite and metal panels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wing assembly includes a support structure, an upper panel assembly formed from a metal material and coupled to the support structure, and a lower panel assembly formed from a composite material and coupled to the support structure. The metal material may be aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable metal, and the composite material may be a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material or other suitable composite material. In another embodiment, the upper panel assembly includes a downwardly depending first web portion, and the lower panel assembly includes an upwardly depending second web portion, the second web portion being proximate the first web portion, and an interface member of an isolating material is disposed between the first and second web portions.

Abstract: Aircraft wing assemblies having both composite and metal panels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wing assembly includes a support structure, an upper panel assembly formed from a metal material and coupled to the support structure, and a lower panel assembly formed from a composite material and coupled to the support structure. The metal material may be aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable metal, and the composite material may be a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material or other suitable composite material. In another embodiment, the upper panel assembly includes a downwardly depending first web portion, and the lower panel assembly includes an upwardly depending second web portion, the second web portion being proximate the first web portion, and an interface member of an isolating material is disposed between the first and second web portions.