Aerodynamic lifting and control surface and control system using same

摘要

An aerodynamic lifting and control surface (20) comprising an external box structure (13) that encloses an internal grid (21) whose members are parallel to the box structure (13). The external box structure (13) comprises four panels (22) connected at their corners by spring hinges (23). When the hinges (23) are unconstrained, the external box structure (13) is compressed into a flat, thin parallelogram shape. The internal grid (21) comprises a plurality of plates (25) connected to each other and to the external box structure (13) by flexible hinges (26). Control apparatus for use with an aerodynamic vehicle (10) is also disclosed. The control apparatus comprises at least one aerodynamic lifting and control surface (20) that is coupled to an actuator (28) disposed within the vehicle (10) and connected to the aerodynamic lifting and control surface (20) for rotating it. <IMAGE>