OH FOR THE WINGS OF A -- VARIABLE GEOMETRY BY VIRTUAL CENTRE

The article argues the case for variable wing geometry aircraft, i.e. aircraft whose planform can be adjusted in flight to give optimum performance in differing roles, as opposed to the majority, which can only perform one role effectively. It puts forward proposals for a wing suspension, designed to overcome the handicaps inherent in the method so far employed in mounting the wings of variable geometry aircraft. After discussing some of the problems involved, the article suggests an engineering design for a wing/fuselage joint with a virtual center of rotation. That is, that the center about which the wing pivots should be a purely theoretical point. The advantage of this is that the selection of this center would no longer be governed by any structural requirements, within very wide limits. In fact this center need not be within the aircraft outline. Selection of the point about which to swing the wing can be decided almost entirely on aerodynamic considerations. Three examples of the concept are discussed, along with engineering aspects and wing/fuselage sealing.