Abstract: A leading edge flap system for an airplane includes a flap which is rotated about a single hinge point between (i) a retracted position, (ii) an intermediate extended position for high speed maneuvering, and (iii) a fully extended position for low speed maneuvering. In the high speed intermediate position, there is no slot between the flap and the wing leading edge. This position provides additional lift to improve the airplane's turning performance. On the other hand, in the low speed fully extended position, the flap is rotated a greater amount than in the intermediate extended position. In this position there is a slot between the flap and the fixed leading edge to permit air to flow from the bottom of the flap upward and over the upper surface of the leading edge. This improves the lateral stability of the airplane when in a sideslip during stall conditions.

Abstract: An underspeed protection system for an aircraft under autopilot control selects a target speed based upon the greater of a minimum maneuver speed and a stick shaker speed. The system then compares a monitored speed to the target speed to produce an error signal. The system also monitors vertical speed to determine if tie aircraft begins to descend. If the error signal due to the underspeed condition causes the aircraft to descend, the system provides a hold zero vertical speed signal in place of the error signal such that the aircraft seeks to maintain its altitude. The hold zero vertical speed signal overrides the underspeed error signal such that the aircraft does not pitch forward to seek an increased speed.

Abstract: An underspeed protection system for an aircraft under autopilot control selects a target speed based upon the greater of a minimum maneuver speed and a stick shaker speed. The system then compares a monitored speed to the target speed to produce an error signal. The system also monitors vertical speed to determine if the aircraft begins to descend. If the error signal due to the underspeed condition causes the aircraft to descend, the system provides a hold zero vertical speed signal in place of the error signal such that the aircraft seeks to maintain its altitude. The hold zero vertical speed signal overrides the underspeed error signal such that the aircraft does not pitch forward to seek an increased speed.

Abstract: Airplane (1) including a mainplane (3), elevator aerodynamic surfaces (4) and a front canard empennage adjustable in orientation. This airplane includes:a device for calculating (14) continuously receiving measurements:of the speed (V) of the airplane with respect to the air,of the centering (c) of the airplane (1),of the flight altitude (H), andof the mass (m) of said airplane and calculating the angular setting to be given to said planes (5) of the canard empennage, during phases of stabilized flight without atmospheric disturbances, so that the lift of said canard empennage corresponds, at any moment, to the smallest possible value of the drag of the airplane; and a device (9) forconferring an at least substantially constant lift on said empennage when the airplane in flight is not in a phase of stabilized flight without atmospheric disturbances.

Abstract: A controller for generating a bank angle limit for an aircraft during takeoff with an nonoperational engine. The controller operates so that there are minimum and maximum bank angle limits. Between these minimum and maximums, there is a linear relationship between aircraft airspeed and bank angle limit. However, before there is a change in aircraft airspeed from an increasing mode to a decreasing mode or vice versa, the bank angle limit remains constant until the change in aircraft airspeed is greater than or equal to a predetermined airspeed differential.

Abstract: A propeller speed governor having a derivative feedback of propeller speed and having a means such as a switch to open the derivative feed back loop when airspeed exceeds a predetermined amount is shown and described. This derivative inhibit is used to provide improved dynamic compensation at high and low speeds.

Abstract: A door or hatch operating mechanism is blocked by a bolt when the aircraft moves in that dynamic pressure is sensed by a spring biased displaceable large piston moving a small piston which acts on a hydraulic link acting, in turn, on another spring biased piston which holds the bolt in locking position or releases it.