Abstract: An aircraft wing comprising an upper surface; and two or more spoilers pivotally attached to the upper surface, wherein at least two adjacent ones of the spoilers are separated by a gap, and wherein the width of the gap is: greater than 1 cm; and sufficiently small to choke the flow of air through the gap such that for at least one flight regime with the adjacent spoilers deployed, the average air flow speed through the gap is less than 10% of the true air speed. The reduced size of the spoilers reduces the spanwise wing loading and the spoiler hinge moment, whilst providing a net aerodynamic effect (in terms of destroying lift over the wing) similar to that of a conventional spoiler array with no gaps.

Abstract: An aircraft wing including a wing box and a nose flap moveably connected to the wing box by first and second folding hinges. A first transverse link is pivotally connected to first portions of the first and second folding hinges. A second transverse link is pivotally connected to second portions of the first and second folding hinges. An actuator is connected diagonally between the first and second transverse links for moving the nose flap between a retracted position and an extended position. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: This invention provides a jack system (2) provided with a cylinder (14) provided with stop means (32). It also comprises: a body (36) hinged about an end (18) of the piston, the body comprising stop means (54) and being able to occupy a first angular position authorising the extraction of the piston, as well as a second angular position uniquely allowed when the piston occupies a position such that the means (54) are located beyond the means (32) in an extraction position (34), the body occupying the second position providing the facing of means (32, 54); and an electromagnetic attraction/repulsion device (64) designed to provide the displacement of the body (36) from the first position to the second position, and inversely.

Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.

Abstract: A flexible control surface (1; 11, 14) comprises at least two actuators (3), which act on the control surface (1; 11, 14) at different points of action (2) which are offset laterally with respect to the circulating-flow direction (6) with respect to one another. The at least two actuators (3) are designed such that the points of action (2) can be deflected differently when the actuators (3) are operated at the same time. It is thus possible to elastically deform the control surface (1; 11, 14), in particular along the span width direction (9), without kinks, in which case it is possible to achieve uniform transitions along the control surface laterally with respect to the flow direction (6). The invention makes it possible to reduce vortices and noise induced by the control surface.

Abstract: Control surface assemblies having a torque tube base are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a control surface assembly including: providing a control surface portion having a pair of longitudinal surfaces, providing a hollow base portion coupled to the control surface portion, the base portion including an elongated curved wall, and an elongated base plate disposed crosswise to the pair of the longitudinal surfaces having at least one aperture disposed therein, and a plurality of attachment flanges extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal surfaces; coupling the attachment flanges to a supporting structure of a vehicle such that the control surface portion projects outwardly from the supporting structure; moving the vehicle through a medium; and moving at least a portion of the control surface assembly to generate a force on the vehicle.

Abstract: An actuation system includes a pump assembly configured to form a pump chamber; an actuator having first and second chambers and a movable member and configured to convert pressures applied to the first and second chambers into a movement of the movable member; and a valve section. A controller controls the valve section to open a first flow path between the pump chamber and the first chamber and close a second flow path between the pump chamber with the second chamber, during a discharge period during which the pump chamber is pressurized, in a first mode; to close the first flow path and open the second flow path during an intake period during which the pump chamber is depressurized, in the first mode; to close the first flow path and open the second flow path during the discharge period in a second mode; and to open the first flow path and close the second flow path during the intake period in the second mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system for a variable camber aircraft wing having position variable front flaps and/or rear flaps, having drive shafts, which are arranged such that that the flaps undergo a change of position in operation of the drive shafts, and having one or more drive units in driving connection with the drive shafts, wherein at least one switchable coupling is provided via which the drive shafts of two flaps of an aircraft wing can be coupled to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for deicing a surface of an aircraft includes a pair of adjacent movable surface elements that lie in a common plane and cover a portion of an aircraft. The pair of surface elements are connected to a reciprocating actuator through a bell crank for reciprocal movement and in opposite directions to one another. The apparatus also includes a tie bar at one end of the surface elements for maintaining the surface elements in a parallel relationship. In a second embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a pair of coaxial, coplanar circular disc and a reciprocating actuator for rotating the disc in opposite directions relative to one another.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises first and second wings positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis with each of the first and second wings including an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein no control surfaces are attached to the lower surface of the wings. A first forward opening control surface is attached by a first hinge to an upper surface of the first wing and a second forward opening control surface being attached by a second hinge to an upper surface of the second wing. Each of the first and second hinges is canted with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A method of yaw control performed by the aircraft is also included.

Abstract: Nowadays position pickup units are commonly used in order to measure the rotation position of a shaft for operating a landing flap or landing slat or a brake flap in an aircraft. In the case of failure of such a position pickup unit (PPU) the corresponding drive motor of the shaft has to be switched off because position data is no longer present. According to one embodiment of the present invention a device for determining the rotation angle of a shaft in an aircraft is stated, with said device comprising a shaft and a motor, wherein rotation of the shaft is measured by way of the motor. This measuring data can be evaluated together with the data of the PPU. In this way improved system availability is ensured.

Abstract: Sealing device for the flap track for the flap-actuating shaft, in the belly fairing of an aircraft, with a top hollow body 1 and a bottom hollow body 7 which are flexibly compressible, each comprising at least one interior chamber 2, 8 with open sides 2a, 2b, a wall 3, 9 with respective external contact surfaces 3a which are in flexible contact with each other, the outer surfaces 4a, 10a of the front walls 4, 10 of the hollow bodies 1, 7 jointly forming an outer sealing surface 11 which covers the flap track 19, said hollow bodies 1,7 having jointly a vertical compression flexibility such that the contact surfaces 3a, 9a retract around the actuating shaft 20, the interior chambers 2, 8 extending between the front walls 4, 10 and rear walls 5, 11 of the hollow bodies 2, 7.

Abstract: The invention concerns craft of the type in which a fan directs a jet of fluid (4) over a curved canopy (1). The canopy (1) is shaped to divert the flow from a radial to an axial direction to produce lift. A problem is that rotation of the fan causes unwanted rotation of the canopy (1). The problem is solved using vanes (6) on the canopy (1) that have an adjustable surface area; and by providing a control system to adjust the effective surface area so as to compensate for the tendency of the rotor to rotate the canopy. The vanes (6) can be designed to slide in and out of the canopy (1) to obtain the required adjustment. In a preferred arrangement the vanes are arranged between upstream and downstream ends of the flow at a position where the effects of changes in swirl angle with varying rotor speed at least partially compensate for consequential changes in the tendancy for the canopy to spin.

Abstract: Improved miniature trailing edge effectors for aerodynamic control are provided. Three types of devices having aerodynamic housings integrated to the trailing edge of an aerodynamic shape are presented, which vary in details of how the control surface can move. A bucket type device has a control surface which is the back part of a C-shaped member having two arms connected by the back section. The C-shaped section is attached to a housing at the ends of the arms, and is rotatable about an axis parallel to the wing trailing edge to provide up, down and neutral states. A flip-up type device has a control surface which rotates about an axis parallel to the wing trailing edge to provide up, down, neutral and brake states. A rotating type device has a control surface which rotates about an axis parallel to the chord line to provide up, down and neutral states.

Abstract: A device for monitoring tiltable flaps on aircraft wings including rotary sensors at the rotary axis of the flap and associated with each actuating element. A rotation sensor is connected to the actuating elements by a spring band. The band is a coupled for angle transmission and the band is connected at a distance from the rotary axis. The spring band is stiff in the direction of rotation, while in the lateral direction, for the purpose of compensating for transverse movements of the actuating elements, the spring band is soft. For each flap, the signals of the rotary sensors, at decentralized monitoring devices to locate errors, are transmitted to an evaluation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for aircraft airbrakes, which comprises control means of a continuous operating mode or of an incremental operating mode in nominal operation of the airbrakes and control means of an incremental operating mode in the event of breakdown.

Abstract: The invention provides a wing structure for an aircraft, including a top skin and a bottom skin defining a primary wing surface, the surface having a width, a length, a leading edge and a trailing edge; a flap having a width smaller than the width of the wing surface and a length extending over a major portion of the wing length, the flap being hingedly joined adjacent to the trailing edge of the wing, wherein the flap is capable of assuming two limit dispositions, a first disposition in which the flap extends substantially parallel to the bottom skin, and a second disposition extending towards the trailing edge of the wing, at an obtuse angle. A method for slowing down the speed of flight of an aircraft is also provided.

Abstract: Aerospace vehicle fairing systems and associated methods, including fairings that house flap surface drive mechanisms on aircraft, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a fairing system that includes a fairing mounted to an airfoil. The fairing can have a longitudinal axis and a fairing section extending along the longitudinal axis forward and aft of a trailing edge portion of an airfoil section. In one embodiment of the invention, the fairing section can have a wide portion located aft of the airfoil section with a single spanwise width that is greater than or equal to a spanwise width of any other portion of the fairing section. In another embodiment of the invention the fairing section can have a first side and a second side, each with a point of maximum curvature. At least one point of maximum curvature can be located aft of the airfoil section.

Abstract: A spoiler and wing of an aircraft. A bottom surface of the spoiler has several longitudinal, elongated grooves. At least some of the grooves are equipped with one or more vortex generators. Further, the invention relates to a wing having in its back part at least one flap and having at least one spoiler of the invention arranged on the section between the wing and flap. The invention also relates to a method and control surface for generating vortexes.

Abstract: Aircraft and leading edge apparatuses and corresponding methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes an airfoil with a leading edge device that is movable among a retracted position, at least one first extended position, and a second extended position. A first actuator can be operatively coupled to the leading edge device to move the flow surface between the retracted and the at least one first extended position. A second actuator can be operatively coupled to the leading edge device to move the flow surface between the at least one first extended position and the second extended position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling airflow with a gapped trailing edge device having a flexible flow surface. The airfoil can include a first portion having a first leading edge, a first flow surface, and a second flow surface facing opposite from the first flow surface. The airfoil can further include a second portion having a second leading edge and a trailing edge, with at least part of the second portion being positioned aft of the first portion. The second portion is moveable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position, with the second leading edge separated from at least part of the first portion by an airflow gap when the second portion is in the second position. The second portion includes a flexible flow surface that has a first shape when the second portion is in the first position, and has a second shape different than the first shape when the second portion is in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a plurality of rotary actuator segments in a device includes a unitary hinge fitting. The unitary hinge fitting includes a first side couplable to a control surface, and a plurality of bays. Each bay is configured to receive at least one of the rotary actuator segments. The unitary hinge fitting reduces the number of components required to install rotary actuators by eliminating the shims, the shear clips, and some of the fasteners required to attach the shims and the shear clips to the hinge fittings. The resulting assembly is typically much simpler and lower in cost and weight than conventional rotary actuator installations.

Abstract: A hypersonic vehicle having in one or more embodiments a control surface that is movable to a deployed position. The control surface is movable in a pivotal manner that establishes a gap between the leading edge of the control surface and the outer surface of the vehicle to provide a flow path. The gap allows a boundary layer along the outer surface of the vehicle to pass through the flow path with out separation from the outer surface, to further improve the effectiveness of the control surface.

Abstract: Flaps, for example leading edge flaps and/or trailing edge flaps of an aircraft wing, are driven and adjusted by respective drive units. Drive shafts of neighboring flaps are coupled to each other by a differential gear. The differential gear is thus coupled to a main drive shaft which is driven by a main drive unit. Additionally, the differential gear is coupled to a secondary drive unit. The main drive power and the secondary drive power and thus the respective flap motions are super-imposable on each other, which permits operating the flaps independently of each other or in synchronism with each other.

Abstract: An aircraft motion control mechanism for regulating aircraft motion from a location remote from an aircraft body portion. The aircraft auxiliary control mechanism has at least one control surface support arm connected to and extending from the aircraft body portion, and an auxiliary flow control surface connected to the support arm. By pivotally controlling the movement of the support arm, the auxiliary flow control surface is operative to deflect airflow to regulate orientation of the aircraft. In addition, the auxiliary flow control surface may further deflect the airflow by deflecting about the support arm.

Abstract: An aircraft with swept back wings and spoilers inlaid into the top surface near the tips of the wings. The aircraft also includes an elevator formed in the center back portion of the aircraft, which is also aft of the spoilers. It is aft to allow an auxiliary control in the elevator signal to cancel the unwanted pitch up moment caused by the spoilers only going up and being aft of the center of gravity of the aircraft. Roll is achieved with these spoilers by the direct action of the lift dumping on one side or the other and by taking advantage of the transformation of yaw into roll by the sweep back of the wings.

Abstract: A fairing arrangement for bridging an aircraft fixed structure (14) and a control surface (10) hingedly mounted on and angularly displaceable with respect to the aircraft structure is provided, together with a method of producing a flexible seal member for such an arrangement. The fairing arrangement includes first and second fairing portions (22, 24) on the fixed aircraft structure (14) and control surface (10) respectively with an intermediate flexible seal (26) disposed between them. The flexible seal (26) is of composite construction being made of rubber-like material with a series of reinforcing plies (341 to 345). The plies are of fabric construction and the seal is deformable to accommodate differential movement between the first and second fairing portions (22, 24) to provide a continuous seal therebetween.

Abstract: An aircraft flap (or slat) drive apparatus includes first and second centralized drive units that respectively rotationally drive first and second drive lines in both wings. The first drive line includes shaft segments connected end-to-end by selectively engageable separating devices. The outboard ends of the first and second drive lines are coupled through one of the separating devices, in each wing. At least one actuator mechanism connects each flap to a respective shaft segment of the first drive line, and converts the drive line rotational motion to a flap translational motion. If a component breaks, jams, or otherwise fails, it is isolated by disengaging the two adjacent separating devices with the faulty component therebetween, so that the rest of the apparatus remains functional. Each one or both of the drive units can drive one or more or all of the flaps through the interconnected first and second drive lines.

Abstract: A drive station includes two drives connected via drive transmissions to one or more flaps or slats of a flap/slat group. The drives may be mechanically coupled to a rotational shaft, with a shaft brake arranged thereon. Guide transmissions are connected to the shaft and to respective flaps or slats of the flap/slat group. Alternatively, the two drives are not mechanically coupled, but are merely electrically or electronically synchronized. Each flap/slat group can be actuated individually and independently of the other groups by actuation commands provided by a central control unit connected to the drives and to a flight controller. Position sensors provide actual position feedback. Each flap/slat is driven by two transmissions, namely two drive transmissions, or two guide transmissions, or one drive transmission and one guide transmission. A redundant drive path is ensured if a component fails.

Abstract: Rotor/wing aircraft having a low-drag flap are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotor/wing aircraft includes an elongated blade having a body portion and a flap portion. The body portion has first and second edges and includes a non-symmetric portion proximate the second edge. The flap portion is moveably coupled to the body portion proximate the second edge and is moveable between a rotary flight position and a forward flight position. In the rotary flight position, the flap portion is proximate at least part of the non-symmetric portion to form a second symmetric portion proximate the second edge. In the forward flight position, the flap portion extends away from the non-symmetric portion to form a tapered portion proximate the second edge.

Abstract: An aircraft mechanism including a flap positioning mechanism comprising a carriage and track system suitable for use with variable radius or multiple curvature tracks.

Abstract: Method and spoiler system for ensuring the aerodynamic continuity of the upper surface of an aircraft wing. According to the invention, the spoiler 7 has a chord (C) of adjustable length and means (16, 19, 20) are provided for acting on the length of said chord when said spoiler (7) is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A deployment system for deploying a moveable wing surface (22) from a main wing section (8). The deployment system includes a plurality of swing arm assemblies (24,26) connecting the moveable wing surface (22) to the main wing section (8) and a drive means for deploying and retracting the moveable wing surface (22), wherein at least one of the swing arm assemblies (24,26) includes a swing arm (28) pivotably connected to the main wing (8) and a connector mechanism (34) for connecting the movable wing surface (22) to the swing arm (28).

Abstract: An aircraft comprises first and second wings positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis, a first forward opening control surface attached to an upper surface of the first wing, and a second forward opening control surface attached to an upper surface of the second wing, wherein each of the first and second hinges is canted with respect to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft. A method of providing yaw control of an aircraft is also provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a first forward opening, canted spoiler in a top surface of a first wing of the aircraft, providing a second forward opening, canted spoiler in a top surface of a second wing of the aircraft, and operating the first and second spoilers differentially to create a yaw moment. The creation of yaw moments without any down force has application in sweptback wings where the tips are behind the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: A flight control surface actuation system has a plurality of actuators attached to one or more summing levers. Each summing lever has an actuator output point that is attached to the flight control surface. The summing lever position corresponds with a sum of the positions of the actuators attached to it. If one of the actuators jams and becomes immovable, other actuators attached to the same summing lever as the malfunctioning actuator compensates for the malfunctioning actuator to bring the flight control surface to a neutral position. The summing lever makes it possible for flight control surface actuation systems to use actuators other than actuators having a bypass mode or any other features that prevent the actuators from jamming.

Abstract: Disposed on each wing of an aircraft adjacent the wing tip is at least one deflector mechanism for twisting the wings as part of a control system for alleviating a gust load on the wing. The wing twisting is performed in conjunction with a vertical motion sensor, a sensor signal processor, and a deflector controller. The vertical motion sensor measures the vertical motion of the wing tip in response to the gust load on the wing and generates a sensor output signal. A sensor signal processor generates a deflector control signal in response to the sensor output signal. The deflector control signal represents the duration and degree of the deflector mechanism movement effective to counteract an increase in bending moment on the wing due to a gust load on the wing. A deflector controller regulates the deflector mechanism movement in response to the deflector control signal such that the deflector mechanism is alternately deployed and retracted into and out of the airstream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for controlling aircraft devices with multiple actuators. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first actuator coupled to a first power system having a first probability of failure, the first actuator being coupleable to at least one moveable component of an aircraft system. The apparatus can further include a second actuator coupled to a second power system having a second probability of failure less than the first. The second actuator can be operatively coupled to the first actuator and can be coupleable to the at least one moveable component, for example, to operate simultaneously with the first actuator. A second force applied by the second actuator can be less than a first force applied by the first actuator. Accordingly, the second power source can be reduced in size by virtue of the reduced probability of failure for the first power system.

Abstract: An articulation device for articulating a flap to an aircraft aerodynamic surface, the flap having its front edge facing a rear edge of the aerodynamic surface and the articulation device including two fittings bearing the flap. The articulation device pivots about a common axle borne by the aerodynamic surface and arranged at the interior side thereof, in order to cause the flap to adopt either a retracted position or a deployed position. The portion of each fitting facing a corresponding cutout, when the flap is in the retracted position, is set back toward the inside with respect to the outer faces of the aerodynamic surface and the flap. A flat blanking piece, the shape of which corresponds to that of the cutout, is associated with each cutout. Each blanking piece is borne by a linkage articulated to the aerodynamic surface and to the flap.

Abstract: An arrangement, and an associated system, in which an actuator is utilized to move a flap. Within the arrangement, an actuator conveys motive force from a motor to cause movement of the flap relative to a supporting structure. A tube of the arrangement is operatively connected to the actuator and movable relative to the support structure in response to motive force conveyed by the actuator. The tube is for operative connection to the flap and is for moving of the flap. The actuator is located radially within an envelope of the tube. Within the system, a controller controls the motor.

Abstract: A force-generating device employing a flared body and a surrounding shroud to define a duct of axially diminishing flow area defining a nozzle for accelerating and directing the discharge of a fluid at a cambered vane, a pressure dam depends from the bottom surface of the vane to entrap a portion of the fluid flowing chordwise along the bottom surface of the vane. A deflector formed on the enlarged end of the flared body and extending into the duct fluid outlet deflects the fluid stream to increase its velocity and direct it toward the vane. In another embodiment, a second deflector formed on the rim of the shroud and projecting into the duct deflects the discharge stream to further increase the velocity of the fluid stream and increase the angle of attack of the fluid stream impinging on the vane. In an alternative embodiment, the first shroud is enclosed in a second shroud to form a second duct of axially diminishing flow area defining a nozzle.

Abstract: Device for articulating a flap to an aircraft aerodynamic surface.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention enables a two-brake torque limiting device to fix the position of one or more flaps and/or slats on an airplane wing when unplanned or abnormal conditions exist. The two-brake torque limiting device may include a trigger brake, a lock down brake, and a speed-increasing device. The trigger brake may use an electromagnetic brake to apply a braking force to the lock down section. The braking force transferred to the lock down section from the trigger section may be transferred through a speed-increasing device. The speed-increasing device allows for the use of a small and a lightweight electromagnetic brake. The invention also provides a method for reducing asymmetry in the wings of an aircraft using an asymmetry detection device, using a trigger brake, using a speed-increasing gear, and using a lock down brake.

Abstract: A variable wing section having an adjustable profile shape extending in the wing-span direction, includes a plurality of torsion boxes, which are positioned in the longitudinal direction, are torsionally stiff about the wing-span direction, and are each constituted of a first wing skin, a second wing skin opposite to it, and at least one spar. The variable wing section includes at least one vertebra, which has a transmission element that is connected to the first wing skin by a pendulum joint in order to compensate for a relative movement between the first wing skin and the at least one vertebra, and which has a vertically spaced-apart point of connection to a drive chord, the length of which may be changed, using a control command. The length of the drive chord is changed as a function of a control signal, and the at least one vertebra is rotated about the wing-span direction, so that the shape of the torsion boxes, and thus the profile shape, are changed in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A system providing aft fuselage flight controls on forward lifting elevator aircraft. My invention relates to aft fuselage controls on a forward lifting elevator aircraft, with the main lifting wing placed aft on the fuselage, and equipped with trailing edge flaps. My embodiment includes a means for controlling a nose down pitching condition produced by lowering trailing edge flaps, using aft vertical flaps 2. The design of the aft vertical flaps 2 produces a tail-down moment to counter the main aft wing trailing edge flap action. In addition, the aft vertical flaps 2 add drag to the aircraft when deployed.

Abstract: A device (22) fitted with ribs is placed on a cylindrical rod (20) so that it is fixed to it in bending. The device (22) is formed of at least three ribs connected to each other at their ends, and at least one pair of elements in the form of a star connecting the ribs together, at least close to its central region. This device enables the rod (20) to apply an approximately radial force to the center of the rod through an actuator onto webs (24) bearing on its ends, minimizing the mass for a given spacing of the webs (24). The device is particularly applicable to the control of aircraft control surfaces.

Abstract: A spin-stabilised artillery projectile (11) can be easily subsequently fitted with an axially symmetrical aerodynamic braking device for reducing the ballistic trajectory if the tip (14) which is equipped with the fuse (13) and which is easily removable from the projectile body (12) is equipped at approximately half its height with flap-shaped sectors (24) which are pivotably mounted in such a way that they can be pivotably extended and which in their launch position fit snugly into the conical peripheral surface of the tip (14) and in the operative position are pivotably extended to form a radial ring which is closed or which has gaps.

Abstract: A wing mounted yaw control device is disclosed. The wing mounted yaw control device includes a spoiler hingedly mounted on a first wing surface and a deflector hingedly mounted on a second wing surface. A deployment mechanism is provided to effect simultaneous deployment of the spoiler and deflector. During operation, the spoiler and deflector are selectively deployed in order to impart an unbalanced drag force on one wing, thereby imparting the desired yaw moment to an aircraft in flight.

Abstract: A sensor detects skewed adjacent movable component. The sensor may be used to detect harmful skews of aircraft control surfaces, such as slats or flaps on aircraft wings, which may be caused by an actuator disconnection from the surface it drives. Harmful skew, which is a relative asymmetrical motion of control surfaces beyond a predetermined limit, is detected by the sensor, but the relatively smaller harmless skew caused by normal flight is ignored. The sensor comprises first and second arms connected to a common base that may be attached to a first control surface. A constraining means such as a mechanical fuse holds the arms together while a separating means such as a spring exerts a separating force on the arms when the fuse breaks. A switching means is integral to the two arms. A striker pin on a second control surface strikes the first or second sensor arm when the relative motion between the control surfaces exceeds a certain predetermined limit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for deflecting an aerodynamic control surface includes a first piezoelectric actuator coupled to a first flexure member. The first flexure member has a first end coupled to a first surface of the aerodynamic control surface and is operable to amplify a linear motion of the first piezoelectric actuator. The system further includes a second piezoelectric actuator coupled to a second flexure member. The second flexure member has a first end coupled to a second surface of the aerodynamic control surface and is operable to amplify a linear motion of the second piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A projectile having a plurality of micro electromechanical (MEMS) devices disposed about the axis of flight for active control of the trajectory of the projectile. The MEMS devices each form an integral control surface/actuator. Control circuitry installed within the projectile housing includes both rotation and lateral acceleration sensors. Flap portions of the MEMS devices are extended into the air stream flowing over the projectile in response to the rate of rotation of the projectile, thereby forming a standing wave of flaps operable to impart a lateral force on the projectile. MEMS devices utilizing an electrostatically controllable rolling flap portion provide a large range of motion while consuming a small amount of power. The MEMS devices may be arranged in longitudinal strips along an ogive portion of the projectile. Packaging concepts for projectiles as small as a 30 caliber bullet are described.