Variable geometry ship's rudder - has hinged tail flap with integral servo coupled to hydraulic control lines through rudder shaft

摘要

The variable geometry ship's rudder has a tail flap (30) which can be set at a steeper angle than the rudder to provide steering control at low speeds. The servo motor (40) for the flap is located inside the rudder, or in the flap, and is coupled to hydraulic control lines through the rudder shaft. The integral mounting of the servo provides a simple mounting for the rudder, and does not increase the demands on the steering motor. When not use, the flap is rigidly fixed w.r.t. the rudder by bolts (51, 52) which are released by hydraulic pressure. The flap can be replaced by two smaller flaps for increased control.