Airplane angle of attack and direction of flight indicator
US4230290A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1978 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P13/025
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An airplane angle of attack and direction of flight indicator includes a vane on the outside of the fuselage which is pivotally movable in response to changes in the airplane's angle of attack. A group of optical fibers are supported within the airplane with one end positioned for exposure to a light source. A light shield is movable into and out of blocking relation between the light source and optical fibers in response to pivotal movement of the vane. With the opposite ends of the optical fibers arranged in an indicator in the airplane cockpit, the illumination of fibers at the indicator affords a ready indication of the airplane's angle of attack. With the opposite ends of the fiber arranged in vertically spaced relation, a sighting device may be interposed between the pilot and indicator for establishing a line of sight along the actual direction of flight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.