Aircraft Systems

Abstract

THE Skyvan is designed for single pilot operation and control about all three axes is provided by conventional manually‐operated controls. The mass‐balanced control surfaces are operated by reversible control circuits to provide a feed back of aerodynamic forces to the pilot whereby good handling characteristics are achieved without the need for any form of artificial feel. Locks in each primary circuit hold the surfaces in the neutral position when the aircraft is parked. The primary control circuits are composed of push‐pull rods which are made from light alloy to avoid differential thermal expansion problems. In the design of all flying control components, safeguards are built in to ensure that not only is it impossible to make a cross connexion, but it is equally impossible to assemble parts inadvertently in a way that would result in restricted travels, reduced gearing or incorrect rigging. The use of ball and roller bearings is confined to critical low friction loss pivots only; at other non‐critical pivots plain bearings are fitted for simplicity, low cost and weight saving. For reliable performance and minimum maintenance requirements, oil‐impregnated plain bearings are fitted whilst ball and roller bearings are pre‐packed with lubricant and scaled.