Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gxg78 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T06:54:00.218Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Present Thoughts on the use of Powered Flying Controls in Aircraft

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2016

Extract

It has long been the practice in engineering to use direct manual operation of the controlling parts of a machine, so long as it was within the strength of the operator, and so long as design of the operating gear was relatively simple. In innumerable applications, however, the increased demands for power by the controls, and the need for greater accuracy, have necessitated the development of servo mechanisms to drive them; that is, we have to sever, partially or completely, the direct mechanical link from operator to control, and use the inserted backlash, elasticity, and so forth, to meter power from an external power source.

In the flying control field we have come at this time to the transition stage, in that we have realised that, for a large number of applications, direct manual operation is impractical, and we are feeling our way towards suitable forms of servo controls for our various needs.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1949

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Lyons, D. J. Some problems of the stability and control of Large aircraft. Journal R.Ae.S., November 1948.Google Scholar
2.Report on the Norman servo motor (R.A.E.hydraulic motor, swash plate type). R.A.E. Report No. B.A.398, August 1921.Google Scholar
3.Morgan, M. B., and Thomas, H. H. B. M. Control surface design in theory and practice. Journal R.Ae.S., August 1945.Google Scholar
4.Lederer, J. Loss prevention programmes in civil aviation. Paper presented at the 16th meeting of the Institute held in New York, 26th–29th January 1948.Google Scholar
5.Adamson, D. Effect of size of aircraft on the difficulties involved in landing. R.A.E. Report No. Aero 2202. June 1947.Google Scholar