AIRPLANE ANGLE OF ATTACK AND DIRECTION OF FLIGHT INDICATOR

摘要

An airplane angle of attack and direction of flight indicator includes a vane (46) on the outside of the fuselage which is pivotally movable in response to changes in the airplane's angle of attack. A group of optical fibers (68) are supported within the airplane with one end positioned for exposure to a light source (64). A light shield (48) is movable into and out of blocking relation between the light source (64) and optical fibers (68) in response to pivotal movement of the vane (46). With the opposite ends of the optical fibers (68) arranged in an indicator (80) in the airplane cockpit, the illumination of fibers at the indicator (80) affords a ready indication of the airplane's angle of attack. With the opposite ends of the fiber arranged in vertically spaced relation, a sighting device (84) may be interposed between the pilot and indicator (80) for establishing a line of sight along the actual direction of flight.