Abstract: A speed brake for aircraft in the form of a flap is provided. The flap can be extended into the air stream for increasing the flow resistance of the air. An extension is attached on the upper side of the flap on one side with respect to the center line of the flap, and the extension is attached in such a manner that in the retracted state of the flap, the extension extends along the flow direction of the air.

Abstract: A high lift system for an aircraft, which extends and retracts the landing flaps of the aircraft in a fully electric manner. In this context, a fully electric drive is used, comprising an electric motor having an internal redundancy, in such a way that the electric motor is configured as a fault-tolerant electric motor. It may thus be possible to do without a coupling gear unit in the electric motor.

Abstract: A high-lift device track 5 comprising a first track end 6 comprising attachment points for the high-lift device 4, two vertical flanges 16 connected by a horizontal web 17, a set of raceways 10,11,12 for guiding rollers 13 or glide pads, and a gear rack 7 installed between said flanges 16 over a first track segment 18. This first track segment 18 presents an inverted-U, or cross-section. However, between said first track segment 18 and a second track end 20 opposite to said first track end 6, the track 5 comprises a second track segment 21 presenting a depth d between the horizontal web 17 and lower edges 25 of the vertical flanges 16 which decreases towards said second track end 20, so that, at said second track end, the track presents an H cross-section. FIG. 4.

Abstract: A small secondary leading edge device, called a compound Krueger vane, works in parallel with a primary device (e.g., a Krueger flap) to delay flow separation on an aircraft wing. The compound Krueger vane is deployed behind a gapped Krueger flap to turn flow ahead of the wing attachment region on the underside of the wing. The compound Krueger vane turns flow that moves forward from the wing lower surface attachment region toward the leading edge of the wing, thereby delaying flow separation on the aircraft wing.

Abstract: A trailing edge aerodynamic airfoil of a load-bearing aerodynamic surface of an aircraft of the crocodile type has two airfoil flaps, with each flap being integral in a forward section with a rotational shaft that determines the axis of rotation of the airfoil flap. In a position called the zero setting, the airfoil flaps are essentially joined and form a rear section of the load-bearing surface, and each airfoil flap is movable in translation independently of the other airfoil flap, relative to the load-bearing surface, with each flap being entrained in rotation relative to the load-bearing surface around its axis of rotation by the motion in translation. The ends of the rotational shaft have extensions guided by runners fastened to these ends and acting conjointly with racks fastened to the load-bearing surface.

Abstract: A high lift system is provided for an aircraft. The high lift system includes, but is not limited to a lift flap arranged on a wing and coupled to the wing so as to be movable relative to the wing, between a retracted position and at least one extended position. In the retracted position the lift flap rests against the wing, and in an extended position forms an air gap to the wing. The lift flap directed towards its trailing edge comprises at least one region of variable curvature, which region in an extended position of the lift flap extends towards the wing.

Abstract: An mechanism for kinematic guidance of a body during its adjustment on a supporting structure. The body is moved between a refracted position and an extended position while performing a movement in a longitudinal direction in combination with a rotary movement. The mechanism includes first and second transmission levers for coupling to the supporting structure, a base connection lever to which these levers are coupled, third and fourth transmission levers coupled to the base connection lever, an adjusting lever coupled to the third and fourth transmission levers for attachment of the adjustable body, to adjust the body by a movement of the adjusting lever, and a coupling lever coupled to the first or second transmission lever and to the third or fourth transmission lever. During a movement of the adjusting lever, the first and second transmission levers each move opposite to the third and fourth transmission levers.

Abstract: An aircraft control surface operating device is provided for operating a control surface on an aircraft body portion to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The aircraft control surface operating device includes a control surface mounting assembly which movably secures the control surface to the aircraft body portion, a drive arm rotatable about a drive axis relative to the aircraft body portion, an actuator for rotating the drive, and a drive link connecting the drive arm to the control surface mounting assembly. The drive link has a control end connected to the control surface mounting assembly and a driven end connected to the drive arm via a drive bearing joint. The drive link connects the drive arm and the control surface mounting assembly such that rotation of the drive arm is causes extending or retracting movement of the control surface.

Abstract: An airfoil surface control system includes a movable surface. An actuator is coupled to the surface. The airfoil surface control system includes a motor. A torque tube assembly operatively couples the motor and actuator and includes first and second shafts coupled by a universal joint. The universal joint is configured to provide a first maximum angle between the first and second shafts. A stop is configured to provide a second maximum angle between the first and second shafts that is less than the first maximum angle.

Abstract: An unmanned air system and method with blown flaps are presented. Air is guided to a fuel cell carried by the unmanned air system. The fuel cell is ventilated by the guided air such that the air is heated by the fuel cell to provide heated air. The heated air is routed from the fuel cell to one or more high lift devices on a lift device of the unmanned air system to provide routed air. The routed air is blown across the high lift devices.

Abstract: A wing, having an adjustable flap that can be moved between a retracted and an extended setting is provided, as well as a gap-covering device, with an adjustment lever and a gap-covering flap arranged on the latter with a flow surface. The adjustment lever with the gap-covering flap is pre-loaded by means of a pre-loading device into a first setting, in which the gap-covering flap is located in the interior of the wing. The adjustable flap and the adjustment lever with the gap-covering flap are mechanically coupled such that as the adjustable flap moves into its retracted setting, a movement of the adjustment lever takes place against the pre-load effected by the pre-loading device, into a second setting. The flow surface of the gap-covering flap in the second setting of the adjustment lever runs between the upper side of the retracted adjustable flap and the wing flow surface.

Abstract: A trailing edge flap arrangement for an aircraft wing, comprising an array of flap elements each discretely moveable between a retracted and an extended position by a respective actuator, wherein the flap elements are arranged to be deployed so as to open up a through slot between an adjacent pair of the flap elements only when the aerodynamic leading element of the pair has reached its extended position. Also, a method of operating the trailing edge flap arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for actuating a control surface about a pivot point using variable moments. A bracket having a moment arm is coupled to the pivot point such that the bracket is rotatable about the pivot point to actuate the surface. A power actuator has a shaft coupled to the bracket at a coupling point on the moment arm such that actuation force applied to the shaft results in a moment produced about the pivot point. A linear actuator is configured to adjust the location of the coupling point with respect to the pivot point to thereby changing the moment arm and the moment produced about the pivot point as the bracket rotates. By adjusting the distance between the pivot point and the coupling point, the moments produced about the pivot point can be increased while conserving actuator power.

Abstract: A continuous moldline technology elastomeric control surface and methods are presented. A control surface is coupled to a fluid-dynamic body. An elastomer interface is coupled to the control surface and the fluid-dynamic body such that a joint gap caused by movement of the control surface relative to the fluid-dynamic body is filled.

Abstract: An edge morphing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with an elongated edge portion that overlies the edge of the airfoil, the edge portion having a surface element having first and second edges that communicate with, and form extensions of, respective ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the elongated airfoil. The surface elements are formed of deformable compliant material that extends cross-sectionally from the first surface element edge to an apex of the edge portion, and to the second surface element edge. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of one of the first and second rib portions. The second end is arranged to receive a morphing force, and the rib element is deformed in response to the morphing force.

Abstract: A flap arrangement includes a basic body, a hinge arrangement, and a flap that by the hinge arrangement is movably held on the basic body. The hinge arrangement includes at least three bearing points spaced apart from each other and arranged on a shared hinge line, wherein two bearing points are rigidly connected to the basic body and to the flap, and wherein the remaining bearing points in each case allow local movement between the basic body and the flap in at least one first spatial direction perpendicularly to the hinge line. Thus, load-induced constraint forces between the basic body and the control surface can be prevented.

Abstract: An aerodynamic body, with at least one ancillary flap arranged such that it can be moved on the aerodynamic body with the aid of a guide mechanism, and with a drive device for purposes of actuating the ancillary flap, the guide mechanism having a pivotal articulation, by which the ancillary flap is articulated on the aerodynamic body such that it can be extended, and which is arranged in a rear region of the ancillary flap as viewed in the flow direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structure, the method comprising: forming a panel assembly by bonding a stack of thickness control plies of composite material to a laminar composite panel, the stack of thickness control plies having a first edge proximate an edge of the laminar composite panel, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a ramp where the thickness of the stack of thickness control plies decreases towards the first or second edge; measuring the thickness of the laminate composite panel or the panel assembly; controlling the number of thickness control plies in accordance with the measured thickness; attaching a first component to the panel assembly, the first component having a surface which engages the laminar composite panel and a ramp which engages the ramp in the stack of thickness control plies; and attaching the laminar composite panel at or near its edge to a further component.

Abstract: A seal assembly for closing an aperture in an aerodynamic surface of a structure, the seal assembly comprising: a track for attachment to the structure; and a retractable seal including a flexible substrate and a plurality of rods connected to the substrate, wherein at least one of the rods is mounted for running movement along the track, and the seal is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position by moving the at least one rod along the track accompanied by folding/unfolding of the seal substrate, and wherein the seal is biased to its extended position.

Abstract: A panel assembly for an aircraft comprises a panel rotatably connected to a support structure and moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has an aerodynamic surface with a slot at one edge thereof which receives a portion of the support structure when the panel is in the first position. The assembly further comprises a resilient seal member which occupies the slot when the panel is in the second position. The panel may be an aircraft flight control surface, or an aircraft landing gear bay door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary flap arrangement for modifying the profile of an aerodynamic body, in particular the trailing edge of the aerodynamic body. The auxiliary flap arrangement here exhibits at least two auxiliary flaps that can be adjusted by an adjustment device while coupled to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fiber composite workpiece. In the method according to the invention, cross-linking silicone is used with the aid of a volatile diluent for infiltrating individual mats of a mat composite. A further object of the present invention is a device for performing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A wing arrangement includes, but is not limited to an adjustable flap, which is adjustable between a retracted position and at least one extended position, has at least one fairing element for covering a flap adjustment mechanism and at least one cover element. The fairing element extends downstream at least as far as the flap and has, in a surface facing the flap, a cutout which correlates with an intended adjustment movement of the flap. The cover element is movably arranged with respect to the fairing element and adapted such to cover the cutout in the fairing element in the retracted position of the flap and expose at least part of said cutout in an extended position.

Abstract: An aircraft slat assembly comprises a slat, two tracks and two joints, each joint connecting a respective track to the slat. Each track is moveable on a wing structure between a fully extended position and a stowed position. Each joint is arranged to allow relative rotation between the slat and the respective track such that the slat is able to adopt a skewed position in which one track is in the fully extended position and the other track is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A disclosed sensor assembly for detecting movement and a position of a wing flap includes a sensing device that generates a signal corresponding to a position of the flap. The sensor assembly includes a linkage that is attached to the movable flap for mechanically communicating movement of the flap to the sensing device. The linkage includes a first pivot shaft mounted to the flap that is disposed about a first axis and a second pivot shaft attached to the first pivot shaft for movement about a second axis transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains inter alia to a structural arrangement, comprising a box structure, a first fibre portion which extends in a first plane, a second fibre portion which extends in a second plane, the first and the second fibre portion being interconnected at a crossing point thereof, the first fibre portion comprising a first portion on one side of the crossing point and a second portion on the other side of the crossing point, the first portion being connected to a first portion of the box structure and the second portion being connected to a second portion of the box structure, the second fibre portion forming, on one side of the crossing point, an inner web inside the box structure and, on the other side of the crossing point, an outer web outside the box structure.

Abstract: A flap roller arrangement for supporting a flap on a wing of an aircraft is disclosed herein. The flap roller arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a roller assembly that is configured for rolling engagement with a flap track of the wing and for engagement with a flap fitting. The flap roller arrangement further includes a retaining member that is removably coupled to the roller assembly. The roller assembly is configured to egress through an opening in the flap fitting in a direction away from the flap track. The retaining member is configured to obstruct egress of the roller assembly through the opening when the retaining member is coupled to the roller assembly. The roller assembly is enabled to egress through the opening when the retaining member is removed from the roller assembly.

Abstract: A support assembly for deployment and retraction of an aero surface from an aircraft is disclosed. The assembly comprises a guide track, a primary support arm having one end coupled to a carriage mounted on the track such that the primary support arm is rotatable relative to the carriage about multiple axes, and a control arm having one end coupled to the primary support arm and a second end pivotably attachable to a fixed support forming part of the structure of the aircraft. The assembly being configured such that, when the carriage is driven along the guide track, the control arm causes the primary support arm to pivot about said multiple axes to deploy and/or retract an aero surface pivotally attached to an opposite end of the primary support member along an arcuate path.

Abstract: An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a spar; a fuel tank; a track container which is attached to the spar and extends into the fuel tank; a track which extends through the spar and into the track container; and a high-lift device, such as a slat or flap, carried by the track. The track container comprises a stiffening element encased in an elastomeric sheath. The track container is manufactured by placing a stiffening element and elastomeric material together in a mould; and compressing and heating them to cure and shape the elastomeric material.

Abstract: An edge mo?hing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with a rib element arranged to overlie the edge of the airfoil. The rib element has first and second rib portions arranged to communicate with respectively associated ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the airfoil. A first compliant linkage element has first and second ends and is disposed between the first and second rib portions of the rib element, the first and second ends are each coupled to the interior of a respectively associated one of the first and second rib portions. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of a selectable one of the first and second rib portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil structural insert comprise an airfoil structural insert frame, a skin surface disposed about the airfoil structural insert frame, at least one attachment point operable for coupling to an aerodynamic structure, a leading edge disposed on one end of the airfoil structural insert frame, a trailing edge disposed on an opposite end of the airfoil structural insert frame, and at least one structural element configured to support the skin surface, wherein said structural element undergoes at least one nonlinear shape change from a first shape to a deflected shape.

Abstract: An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a wing; a spoiler pivotally attached to the wing; and a spoiler deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism comprises a scissor linkage mechanism comprising an upper link pivotally attached to the spoiler at an upper pivot, and a lower link pivotally attached to the wing at a lower pivot and to the upper link at a central pivot. An actuator is pivotally attached to the wing at a proximal pivot and to the scissor linkage mechanism at a distal pivot. The actuator is adjustable between expanded and contracted configurations so as to vary the distance between the proximal and distal pivots. This opens up the angle between the upper and lower links of the scissor linkage mechanism and pushes the spoiler up into the air-stream above the wing.

Abstract: The invention provides according to one aspect an aircraft, comprising a fuselage, an airfoil mounted to the fuselage and a flap for steering the aircraft. Furthermore, connecting means articularly connect the flap to the airfoil such that the flap is allowed to rotate around a rotation axis substantial parallel to the trailing or leading edge of the airfoil between a retracted position and an extended position and to translate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis. A rod articularly connect the flap to the airfoil or to the fuselage, wherein the rod defines the translation of the flap in the direction parallel to the rotation axis. Hence, by way of one aspect of the invention, forces acting of the flap in a direction parallel to the rotation axis can be taken up by the rod.

Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a flap at an wing of an aircraft includes at least one flap drive for operating the flap and a plurality of drive stations comprising drive struts structured and arranged to movably connect the flap to the wing. The plurality of drive stations includes at least two first drive stations that guide the flap in a defined position in a wing chord direction. The plurality of drive stations includes at least one second drive station at which the flap is moveable in the wing chord direction. The at least one second drive station includes at least one compensation element structured and arranged to compensate constraining forces occurring in the plurality of drive stations due to relative movements between the flap and the wing in the wing chord direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the shape of a control surface. A structure is rotated about an axis. The structure is located between a flexible skin and a skin located substantially opposite of the flexible skin. An assembly is moved to change the shape of the control surface in response to a rotation of the structure. The assembly is movably connected to the structure and is configured to move such that the flexible skin forms a plurality of curvatures.

Abstract: A high-lift system on the wing of an aircraft and a method for its operation are described. High-lift flaps (2) which are arranged on the wing (1) are extended from a retracted position in order to increase the lift, and a slot (3) through which flow passes from the lower face to the upper face of the wing (1) is opened (advanced slat/flap-gap control). According to the invention, the slot (3) through which flow passes is opened independently of the position of the high-lift flap (2). This makes it possible to selectively achieve a better maximum coefficient of lift (CL) or a better lift-to-drag ratio with less noise being produced.

Abstract: An aircraft actuator is provided that can achieve a significant weight reduction, while securing a sufficient tensile strength and a sufficient buckling strength, even if it is provided with a reaction link in which large bent portions are formed. A reaction link is made of fiber reinforced plastic, and includes a pair of linear portions, a coupling portion, and a pair of bent portions. The cross section at the pair of linear portions, the coupling portion, and the pair of bent portions is formed as a hollow cross section. The outer cross sectional area of the hollow cross section at each of the pair of bent portions is configured to be larger than the outer cross sectional area of the hollow cross section at each of the pair of linear portions.

Abstract: An aircraft with airfoils having a main wing and at least one control flap arranged such to be adjusted relative to the main wing, as well as a high-lift system with at least one regulating flap for adjusting the lift of the airfoils to adjust the state of lift of the aircraft, featuring flow control devices for influencing the fluid flowing over the surface segment; an activating unit; and a lift state specification device connected to the activating unit for adjusting the state of lift of the aircraft.

Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft including a first structure mounted to a second structure, and a power transfer assembly electrically connecting the first and second structures. The first structure is movable relative to the second structure between a retracted and an extended position. The power transfer assembly includes a housing, a spool mounted for rotation relative to the housing and biased to rotate in a first direction, and an electrical cable adapted to be wound around the spool when the spool rotates, such that movement of the first structure from its retracted to its extended position causes the cable to be unwound from the spool by rotation of the spool in a second direction opposite the first. Also, a method of electrically connecting the first and second structures. The invention may be applied to an aircraft wing to electrically connect a leading edge slat to a fixed aerofoil portion.

Abstract: An aircraft structure comprising; a rear spar, an upper cover which is attached to the rear spar and overhangs to its rear; a lower cover which is attached to the rear spar and overhangs to its rear, a hinge rib assembly comprising: a first hinge rib arm attached to a first one of the covers; and a second hinge rib arm connected to the first hinge rib arm and attached to a second one of the covers; and an aerodynamic control element pivotally mounted to the hinge rib assembly. The first and second hinge rib arms are separate parts. This provides the ability to disassemble the hinge rib in-situ for repair or maintenance purposes; the ability to install or remove the hinge rib without having to move it inboard along the structure; reduced material wastage during manufacture; and the ability to install one or more elongate lines which extend in a span-wise direction along the aircraft structure.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically actuating a split flap hingedly mounted near or at a trailing edge of an airfoil. The system includes a bladder system disposed between the split flap and the upper surface of the airfoil. The split flap is a small-chord (usually 1-3% of total wing chord) long-span lower panel which separates from the airfoil trailing edge by means of a hinge or a flexible lower skin. Deployment of the split flap is actuated pneumatically by the inflatable bladder system. The split flap may exist at a fixed wing trailing edge, a moving flap trailing edge, or an empennage trailing edge. The pneumatic bladder provides distributed force to extend and retract the split flap. This pneumatic approach eliminates extra drag, reduces cost and weight, and lessens flutter concerns.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a connecting device for connecting a first structural component and a second structural component that can be moved relative to the first structural component in an articulated fashion such that three rotational degrees of freedom are provided.

Abstract: An aircraft wing comprises a leading-edge slat, the slat including a main body portion and a slat extension arranged at a spanwise end of the main body portion. The cross-sectional area of the slat extension is less than the cross-sectional area of the main body portion. The slat extension may therefore provide some of the aerodynamic benefits of the slat, while enabling the volume of the leading-edge of the wing on which the slat is mounted, to be relatively large. The chord and thickness to chord ratio of the slat extension may be less than the equivalent dimensions on the slat.

Abstract: An electronically-synchronized flap system for a fixed-wing aircraft including a first wing including a first flap panel, the first flap panel being connected with a first in-board actuator and a first out-board actuator, and a second wing including a second flap panel, the second flap panel being connected with a second in-board actuator and a second out-board actuator. In an embodiment, the system can further include an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to control the first and second in-board and out-board actuators to electronically synchronize the positions of the first and second flap panels.

Abstract: A wing-flap assembly includes a flap made up of a plurality of flap sections, in which each flap section is connected to the preceding one in a rotatable manner, and one or more actuator devices adapted to control the rotation of the flap sections. Each actuator device includes an extended element made of shape memory alloy and an arch-shaped framework made of elastic material, to which the extended element is fixedly connected under tension. Each end of the extended element is fixed to a respective end of the arch-shaped framework. At least one of the actuator devices is connected at one end to the first of the flap sections, and on the other side it is adapted to be connected to a wing structure.

Abstract: A covering structural element is adapted to close an elongate gap provided on an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft. Such an element has a strip-shaped body made of metal material, including a fixing portion, adapted to be fixed along one of the longitudinal borders of the elongate gap; a sliding portion adapted to urge in a sliding manner on the other of the longitudinal borders of the strip-shaped gap; and a connection portion, connecting the sliding portion to the fixing portion, the thickness of which is so sized as to allow, in use, a controlled elastic bending of the structural covering element. The covering structural element has a profile so sized as to be tapered at the transition from the fixing portion to the connection portion and from the sliding portion to the connection portion, the covering structural element having a smooth surface on the side intended to face away from the elongate gap.

Abstract: A method for reducing yawing motions of an aircraft in-flight, wherein a spoiler adjustment drive of a spoiler and a regulating flap adjustment drive of a regulating flap of the same respective airfoil are adjusted in a time segment in such a way that the motion of the spoiler being adjusted and the motion of the regulating flap of the same airfoil deflect in mutually opposite directions in the time segment. The spoiler and the regulating flap are adjusted on the airfoil, on which the adjusted deflections counteract the respectively occurring yawing motion. Also provided are a computer program product for carrying out this method and an aircraft with a directional stabilization device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: An aircraft wing trailing edge control surface including a trailing edge flap adjustable to different positions, a sealing flap on the upper side between the wing and the flap, and a ventilation flap on the underside between the wing and the flap. The flap is adjustable downward through positive positions and upward through negative positions. The wing profile is closed on the upper side by the sealing flap and the underside by the ventilation flap when the flap is used as a control flap and adjusted between negative and low positive positions. The ventilation flap releases air flow from the wing underside to the upper side of the flap and the sealing flap is retracted to release an outflow of air from the upper side of the flap when the flap is used for increasing lift and the flap is adjusted between low and high positive positions.

Abstract: An aircraft wing comprising: a trailing edge cove extending in a span-wise direction along a trailing edge of the wing, the trailing edge cove having a front face, a top face and a bottom face; an actuator bracket which is mounted to the front and top faces of the trailing edge cove, but not to its bottom face; an aileron actuator coupled at one end to an aileron and at the other end to the actuator bracket, the aileron actuator being adjustable from a retracted position to a deployed position to deploy the aileron; and a channel extending in a span-wise direction along the wing and positioned below the actuator bracket.

Abstract: A disclosed sensor assembly for detecting movement and a position of a wing flap includes a sensing device that generates a signal corresponding to a position of the flap. The sensor assembly includes a linkage that is attached to the movable flap for mechanically communicating movement of the flap to the sensing device. The linkage includes a first pivot shaft mounted to the flap that is disposed about a first axis and a second pivot shaft attached to the first pivot shaft for movement about a second axis transverse to the first axis.