Month in the Patent Office

In an aircraft with folding wings, the movable portions 5 are connected to the fixed portions 4 by hinges whose axes X—X1 arc inclined and located in the longitudinal plane of the main spars 6, 8 of the wings. In the form shown, the hinge axes converge down‐wardly, the wing portion in front of each hinge being of stepped shape DEFG in plan, while the upper surface of the fixed wing portion 4 to the rear of the hinge is formed with a recess 9 to allow the passage of the lower edge 10 of the rear portion of the movable wing portion 5 during folding and unfolding. The undersurface of the fixed portion is formed with a horizontal extension 11 for supporting the wing portion 5, while the latter carries a flap 12 covering the recess 9 when the wing is extended. The wings may be operated by hydraulic or electric jack; 14, and remotely controlled locking devices 17, 18 may be employed for securing the wings in their extended position.