Aircraft wing with variable aerodynamic profile - has flexible wing surface controlled by fuel under pressure pumped between tanks

摘要

The aircraft wing has spars (34, 35, 36) supporting ribs (32, 37) which together divide the interior of the wing into separate fuel tanks. The outer surface (44) of the wing has a degree of flexural elasticity and is attached to the ribs (32, 37) by a system of hinged struts (48, 49, 50) and a rigid strut (51). Fuel can be pumped from one tank to another through a pipe (58) and the pressure in each tank can be individually controlled. This pressure causes local flexing of the wing surface (44) which changes the aerodynamic profile of the wing to suit flight requirements. The flexural rigidity of the surface is so chosen that it will bend under the internal fuel pressure to produce the required shape.