Wingtip to Runway light protector Concepts

On Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 8:27:26 AM UTC-8, Steve Koerner wrote:
I've got a better idea to solve the runway light problem... Let's put a push-button switch on the left and the right side of the control column. If holding the stick hard over is not seeming sufficient to raise a wing over a runway light, then push the button on the down wing side of the stick for additional lifting force.

The push-button controls a solenoid valve that releases a jet of compressed gas through a nozzle on the underside of the wing that needs lifting. Most of us out west already carry a bottle of compressed gas that is used for another purpose. All that would be needed is plumbing in the wings as well as a nozzle outboard on each wing. The nozzle could be taped over to avoid adding drag. Such cold gas thrusters have been used for space vehicle attitude and other purposes; there is a body of design information on the subject.

Besides solving the runway light problem, a wing thruster could be used to address various other matters of urgency related to low speed roll control during takeoff and landing and might also be used to facilitate safe take off without a wing runner.

(you heard it first on RAS)


NASA calls that RCS (Reaction Control System). Might be useful during flight in the atmosphere too. I'm thinking about all those times when I realized I'd rolled into the thermal in the wrong direction...

;-)

9B