Rogallo wing

The Rogallo wing belongs to the group of flexible wings and was invented in 1948 by the couple Rogallo.

Construction

Rogallo the wing consists of two parallel half- conical surfaces, which are aligned in the direction of flight. Based on the desired airspeeds in flight, the cones are either wide open for low speeds or the cones are narrow when high speeds to be achieved.

The flexible wings offer the great advantage that they are less susceptible to turbulence, as they absorb this gentle. Furthermore, results from the flexibility of an advantage with respect to the longitudinal stability because the wing tip is flexible. Thus, a tail is no longer mandatory for a good longitudinal stability necessary.

Use

The early 1960s, access Barry Palmer and John Dickenson ignorant of each other, the idea of ​​Rogallo wing on. A practical application of the concept found in the experimental aircraft Ryan Flex Wing, which was developed on behalf of the U.S. Army. Also in the space should be used as a return system for the Gemini space capsule of the Rogallo wing. However, later found himself in 1964 is another way of retrieval using a round canopy parachute.

Nowadays find Rogallo wing, in addition to the classic round caps, use as controllable rescue systems for paragliders.

Control

The Rogallo wing is gravity- controlled, that is, by shifting the center of gravity of both forward and backward and sideways direction, it is possible to make changes. The most common form was to fly by shifting the center of gravity by propping on two parallel rods with the forearms.

Videos

• Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sswv4WUi0aY&feature=related