1. What is the Gearing Ratio?

The Gearing Ratio is a measure of the mechanical advantage provided by the control system of an aircraft. It represents the relationship between the control surface deflection and the control stick input.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Gearing Ratio formula:

Where:

• \( \delta_e \) — Elevator Deflection Angle (rad)
• \( \ell_s \) — Stick Length (m)
• \( \delta_s \) — Stick Deflection Angle (rad)

Explanation: The formula calculates the mechanical advantage by dividing the elevator deflection angle by the product of stick length and stick deflection angle.

3. Importance of Gearing Ratio Calculation

Details: Accurate Gearing Ratio calculation is crucial for aircraft control system design, ensuring proper control response and pilot feel characteristics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter elevator deflection angle in radians, stick length in meters, and stick deflection angle in radians. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical gearing ratio range for aircraft?
A: Gearing ratios vary significantly depending on aircraft type and control system design, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 1/m.

Q2: How does gearing ratio affect pilot control feel?
A: Higher gearing ratios provide more control surface movement for a given stick input, resulting in more sensitive controls.

Q3: Can gearing ratio be adjusted in flight?
A: In most conventional aircraft, gearing ratio is fixed by mechanical linkages. Fly-by-wire systems can electronically adjust effective gearing ratios.

Q4: How does stick length affect gearing ratio?
A: Longer stick lengths reduce the gearing ratio, requiring more stick movement to achieve the same control surface deflection.

Q5: Is gearing ratio the same for all control surfaces?
A: No, aircraft typically have different gearing ratios for elevator, aileron, and rudder controls based on their specific requirements.