Experiments on balanced control surfaces for rigid airships

Abstract

The experiments were conducted at the request of the Airship Design Department of the Admiralty in order to obtain data to assist in designing balanced control surfaces for airships of the R.38 class. Pitching moments (about C.G.) were measured on a model of R.33 (see R & M 361) with stabilising surfaces of the same overall dimensions. The balancing area did not, however, extend along the whole length of the control surfaces, but was confined to the outer end of the elevators, loss of length being partially balanced by increased width. Two different balancing areas were used. The effect of cutting off a piece of the fin immediately in front of the balancing area was investigated