The present invention is a compound planetary gear system which has a moveable sun gear and a lockable sun gear to change the gear ratio between a high gear ratio and a pseudo 1:1 slipping ratio. The system makes use of a ratchet and pawl mechanism to provide a safety backup for when the lockable sun gear is locked. The invention may be used to move the aircraft from a stationary position, for taxiing, and for pre-rotating the wheels prior to landing.

Geared wheel motor design

An aircraft landing gear comprising: a shock-absorbing main leg having a sprung part for attachment to an aircraft and an un-sprung part including a slider and an axle carrying at least one wheel, the wheel having a toothed ring gear; a drive transmission mounted externally on the sprung part, or on the un-sprung part, of the main leg, the drive transmission having at least one motor and a drive pinion for meshing with the toothed ring of the wheel; and an actuator for lifting the drive transmission into and out of driving engagement with the toothed ring and for maintaining the driving engagement as the landing gear deflects during a ground taxiing operation. Also, a method of operating the aircraft landing gear.

Aircraft landing gear

An aircraft ground control system that moves an aircraft on the ground between landing and take off without external mechanical assistance from airport tugs or tow vehicles or reliance on thrust produced by the aircraft's engines is provided. The aircraft ground control system interfaces only with an aircraft auxiliary power unit or other aircraft power supply, but otherwise operates independently of aircraft systems. A system integrator and controller links cockpit controls designed to actuate the transmission of power to system components and to activate system components only under predetermined conditions with selectively activatable drivers in driving connection with one or more aircraft wheels to move the aircraft on the ground at selected torques and speeds.

Integrated aircraft ground navigation control system

The invention relates to a system for motorising a wheel (5) connected to a suspension, the system including an engine block (3) and a driving member (4) secured to the wheel (5). According to the invention, the engine block is secured to the suspended portion of the MacPherson strut (2) and a clutch device (6) connects the output shaft (7) of the engine block (3) to the driving member (4).

System for motorising a wheel connected to a suspension

The aircraft includes an undercarriage having an upper portion, at least one wheel for running on the ground, and a shock absorber connecting the wheel to the upper portion. The aircraft also includes a motor for driving the wheel, the motor being rigidly fastened to the upper portion.

Aircraft undercarriage with motorization and transmission

A ground propulsion system for an aircraft includes a compressor driven by one of the main engines of the aircraft or an auxiliary engine, a turbine driven by the gaseous fluid supplied by the compressor and means including a gearbox coupling the turbine to a wheel of the aircraft.

R Cross

Papers

Motor powered wheels for aircraft