Lateral control surface for air- and spacecraft - is horizontally, transversely pivoted disc with rudder element embodying wind-vane

摘要

The lateral control surface for air- and spacecraft is a circular disc (14), free to rotate about its axis on a horizontal spindle (16) perpendicular to the fuselage centreline carried in the forked end of a spar (13) projecting backwards from the wing. Two such units are fitted, symmetrically disposed about the fuselage longitudinal axis. The rudder part (17) of the surface has a windvane (15) keeping its hing always perpendicular to the relative wind by rotating the disc. The surface can alternatively be delta-shaped or trapezoidal, pivoted just forward of its centre of gravity.