Patent ID: 6375126
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
A variable camber leading edge assembly for an airfoil, comprising:A forward suspension link pivotably coupled at a first end to a portion of said airfoil; an aft suspension link coupled at a first end to a portion of said airfoil aft of said first end of said forward suspension link; a bullnose; a variable camber panel hingedly coupled at a first end to said bullnose; a linkage assembly operably supporting said bullnose and said variable camber panel from said forward and aft suspension links; wherein said bullnose and said variable camber panel are urged rotationally from a cruise position, wherein said bullnose and said variable camber panel are retracted within a lower area of said airfoil to form a lower surface of said airfoil, to a landing position, wherein said variable camber panel and said bullnose are rotated to extend forwardly of said airfoil without causing a scooping of air into said lower area and to form a gap between said variable camber panel and a forwardmost upper edge surface of said airfoil; wherein said bullnose and variable camber panel are moveable rotationally from said cruise position to a take-off position without scooping air into said lower area of said airfoil, and wherein said variable camber panel forms a smooth, gapless engagement with said forwardmost upper edge surface of said airfoil; and and wherein said linkage assembly operates to alter a curvature of said variable camber panel when said leading edge assembly is moved between said cruise and said takeoff and landing positions.