Embodiments are directed to adding wing extensions (112; 301; 401) outboard of the engine nacelles (106; 305; 404) on tiltrotor aircraft (101; 402) to increase cruise efficiency. By using pivoting wing extensions (112; 301; 401), the download penalty during hover operations is decreased because the wing extensions (112; 301; 401) will pivot into the downwash rather than act as a barrier. Freely pivoting wing extensions (112; 301; 401) will align with the local airflow during conversion mode flight, which eliminates flow separation issues. The freely pivoting wing extensions (112; 301; 401) also reduce gust response by rotating out of the way of turbulence and updrafts. A trailing edge trim flap (115; 409) provides simple and effective control of the incidence angle for the free-pivot wing extension (112; 301; 401).
TILTROTOR FREE-PIVOT WING EXTENSION
FREISCHWENKENDE FLÜGELVERLÄNGERUNG EINES KIPPROTORS
EXTENSION D'AILE À PIVOTEMENT LIBRE D'AÉRONEF À ROTORS BASCULANTS
2020-03-18
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge |