An up-down flapping wingtip is provided for a ground effect vehicle. The wingtip is positionable at an anhedral angle to control the wingtip clearance from ground. Variable wingtip clearance reduces the risk of damage due to collision with the ground or water, thereby permitting more efficient flight at lower altitude with an equivalent safety. The wingtip is positioned by a wingtip flap and an actuator. The wingtip anhedral angle is controlled by a flight control system. A sensor is included for determining whether an object lies in the path of the wingtip. The sensor communicates with the flight control system in order to vary the flapping angle of the wingtip to increase clearance from the ground or water, thus avoiding impact with the object. The wingtip anhedral angle is reduced to increase the wingspan for flight out of ground effect.


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    Title :

    Ground effect wing having a flapping wingtip


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2023-10-10


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge / G01C Messen von Entfernungen, Höhen, Neigungen oder Richtungen , MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT



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