British Patent Abridgments

Abstract

A fixed wing aircraft which can take‐off and land vertically, or at a speed below stalling speed, lift being obtained by substantially downwardly directed jets, has longitudinally arranged strakes on the under‐surfacc of the fuselage or other nozzle carrying part to intercept the gases deflected upwardly off the ground and prevent their upward flow over the sides of the fuselage or part by deflecting the gases downwardly. In the aircraft shown partially in side elevation and front elevation here, gases arc discharged downwardly from nozzles 2, 3, on cither side of the fuselage to provide direct lift. The nozzles arc adjustable to provide forward thrust also. In such an aircraft, circulation of the discharged gases beneath the fuselage and upwardly over its sides, reduces the lifting effect when the aircraft is close to the ground. Fore and aft extending strakes 5 intercept this circulation, and direct the gases outwardly and downwardly away from the fuselage to reduce the lift loss. The strakes may be adjustable and retractable and may also act as bomb bay or undercarriage bay doors. A lateral fence 7 retractable by jack 10, extends between the forward ends of the strakes, and an undercarriage bay door 6, retractable by jack 11, extends between the rearward ends, and may also be usable as an airbrake. Recirculation of hot gases into the engine intakes (not shown) is also prevented by this means.

Citation

(1962), "British Patent Abridgments", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 34 No. 12, pp. 390-390. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb033665