Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft – heavier-than-air – Airplane sustained
Patent
1998-02-25
1999-05-11
Barefoot, Galen L.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft, heavier-than-air
Airplane sustained
244 46, 244 92, 244903, 244218, 244 48, 244152, B64C39/00
Patent
active
059019247
ABSTRACT:
A powered parachute or pendulum flying machine which includes a mechanism for shortening the chord length of the parachute wing, a mechanism for shortening the distance between the upper and lower airflow surfaces of the parachute wing, and a mechanism for adjusting position of the pilot module relative to the wing so as to adjust the center of gravity of the powered parachute. The mechanism for shortening chord length includes a tube running along the trailing edge of the parachute wing and control lines running from the tube to the pilot module. Pulling in the lines draws the tube forwardly and shortens the chord length. Preferably at the same time as the chord length is decreased, wing height is decreased by the mechanism for shortening the distance between the upper and lower airflow surfaces. Such is accomplished by collapsing a wall disposed between the upper and lower airflow surfaces to the pilot module. When chord length and wing height are decreased, drag is reduced and the speed of the powered parachute increases. To slow down the flying pendulum machine, the chord length lines and wing height lines are slowly released and the release or letting out of such lines is aided by air pressure in air cells in the parachute wing. Further, preferably at the same time as shortening chord length and frame and decreasing wing height, the pilot module is advanced forwardly on the wing via the center of gravity adjustment mechanism, which includes a toothed drive wheel meshing with a toothed frame portion of the wing. The toothed drive wheel is operated by the pilot pulling on a line, which drives a pulley on the drive wheel. Additionally, large scale modified versions of this speed enhanced power parachute can be used on aircraft as a short field take off and landing augmentation which is stowable during regular flight.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1742082 (1929-12-01), Keller
patent: 3140842 (1964-07-01), Craigo et al.
patent: 3306559 (1967-02-01), Girard
patent: 4050654 (1977-09-01), Heckman
patent: 4133500 (1979-01-01), Chapman
patent: 4934630 (1990-06-01), Snyder
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