Lift limiting aircraft wing - with spring loaded flaps through front part of wing to alleviate large thrusts

摘要

The front part of the aircraft wing is fitted with a number of parallel flaps which close off ducts through the wing from the underside, with the flaps closed by spring pressure. The springs are chosen so that they open the flaps when a set wing loading is exceeded. This reduces the lift of the wing and prevents wing damage. The system is especially applicable to gliders in which large wing loadings are experienced when the glider pulls out of a dive. The remaining wing area is still large enough for sufficient lift to support the aircraft. The design enables the wing weight to be reduced by up to 40%.