Abstract: A flexible structural frame (100) includes a structure (110) having a passage (112), the walls (114) of the passage (112) defining an opening (116). The flexible structural frame (100) also includes a piece of elastomeric material (120) that has a first surface (122) and a second surface (124). The first surface (122) of the elastomeric material (120) is coupled to at least one of the walls (114) of the passage (112). The flexible structural frame (100) further includes at least one rigid member (130) coupled to the elastomeric material (120) and at least one tension bearing member (140) coupled to the rigid member (130), such that the elastomeric material (120) is compressed when the tension applied to the tension bearing member (140) increases.

Abstract: A flight control system provides a maximized mechanical advantage when the load of the airstream on the airfoil is also at a maximum. A control surface is pivotally mounted for movement through a range of positions between a neutral position at which airstream load thereon is a minimum and upwardly and downwardly deflected positions, the airstream load being a maximum in either of the deflected positions. An operator mechanism for moving the control surface between the upwardly and downwardly deflected positions includes a rotor mounted on the airfoil for rotation about a chordwise extending rotary axis and has a horn member with a terminal end offset from the rotary axis. The terminal end of the horn member is slidably engaged with the guide track and an actuator rotates the rotor and by reason of the slidable engagement of the horn member with the guide track moves the control surface.