Aircraft flap system and associated method

摘要

An aircraft flap system and an associated method are provided to facilitate ground roll breaking without compromising in-flight performance. The aircraft flap system includes a first flap and a panel pivotally attached to the first flap, such as to a rearward portion of the first flap. The aircraft flap system also includes an actuator configured to controllably position the panel in a stowed position and in a deployed position. In the stowed position, the panel serves as a continuation of the first flap, thereby contributing to the lift provided by the first flap during flight. Conversely, in the deployed position, a panel is articulated relative to the first flap, thereby reducing or eliminating the lift otherwise provided by the flap, following landing of the aircraft.

主权项

1. An aircraft flap system comprising:
a first flap; an aft flap positioned rearward of the first flap; a panel pivotally attached to the first flap; and an actuator configured to controllably position the panel in a stowed position in which the panel serves as a continuation of the first flap and in a deployed position in which a forward edge of the panel is raised and an opposed rearward edge of the panel is lowered relative to the first and aft flaps, wherein the aft flap is configured to remain in a fixed position relative to the first flap while the actuator controllably moves the panel between the stowed and deployed positions relative to both the first and aft flaps, wherein the rearward edge of the panel is in contact with the aft flap in the deployed position of the panel, and wherein the rearward edge of the panel is spaced from and out of contact with the aft flap in the stowed position of the panel.