FLEXIBLE WHEEL DRIVE FOR AIRCRAFT ONBOARD TAXI SYSTEM

摘要

A flexible wheel drive for aircraft onboard taxi systems is provided. In association with an aircraft wheel assembly there is provided a drive gear assembly that is adapted to be driven by a motor mounted to an aircraft. A flexible drive flange is secured about an inboard rim of the aircraft wheel assembly and a flexible ring is interconnected between the drive gear assembly and the flexible drive flange. Preferably, the flexible ring is made of a metal textile or high-temperature composite and the drive flange is of a high-strength stainless steel.