Patent · US Expired

Wing employing leading edge flaps and winglets to achieve improved aerodynamic performance

US7475848B2 · kind B2 · utility

46Cited by
31References
12Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 16, 2005
Grant dateJan 13, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 14, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T50/40
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A wing for use on a supersonic aircraft that includes an inboard section a central section of the wing outboard of the inboard portion, and an outboard section. The outboard section can be a winglet oriented anhedrally relative to a lateral axis of the supersonic aircraft. Leading edge segments on the inboard section, central section and outboard winglet may have mounted thereon leading-edge flaps. These flaps are adjusted by a control system operable to reposition the leading-edge flaps in order to improve the aerodynamic performance of the supersonic aircraft. This winglet promotes sonic boom minimization. Further, the wing tip anhedral allows greater inboard dihedral. This effectively pushes lift aft for sonic boom and control purposes while minimizing the movement of control surfaces.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.