FLEXIBLE WHEEL DRIVE FOR AIRCRAFT ONBOARD TAXI SYSTEM

摘要

A flexible wheel drive for aircraft onboard taxi systems (10) is provided. In association with an aircraft wheel assembly (12) there is provided a drive gear assembly (14) that is adapted to be driven by a motor mounted to an aircraft. A flexible drive flange (30) is secured about an inboard rim of the aircraft wheel assembly (12) and a flexible ring (28) is interconnected between the drive gear assembly (32) and the flexible drive flange (30). Preferably, the flexible ring (28) is made of a metal textile or high-temperature composite and the drive flange (30) is of a high-strength stainless steel.