Challenge
Compared to bird flight, the manoeuvrability of aeroplanes seems somewhat complicated. The climb, descent and curve flight of man-made aeroplanes require the individual activation of different adjustable planes, such as the rudder plane, the elevator plane and the aileron plane. In contrast, a hawk demonstrates unsurpassed manoeuvrability using only its wings and tail. What might a future aeroplane look like if it were to follow this natural role model? Could an aeroplane be manoeuvred mainly by adjusting the wings?
Invention
The RES-Foldable Airplane features a new manoeuvring system for airplane airframes. The foldable airframe comprises a fuselage extending between the bow and tail segments and four wings forming a square with nodal elements. These are connected in such a way that the distance between the nodal elements at the bow and tail segments of the fuselage can be varied during flight by shortening or expanding the distance between the nodes at the bow and tail. An aeroplane with a dihedral wing arrangement will climb by shortening the distance, and descend by widening it. Curve flight is possible through the separate adjustment of the starboard and portboard wings. Changing the distance between the nodes also changes the angle of attack of the front and rear wings, which are joined together by outer nodes that serve as winglets.
Advantages
- Enhanced manoeuvrability of the aircraft during flight
- Reduced dead load and airframe drag
- Less space required for the grounded airplane
Applications
- Advantageous applications for all types of aircraft
- Applicable to both piloted and unmanned aircraft