Importance

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Abstract

Aircraft systems with shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, and associated methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes an airfoil, a deployable device coupled to the airfoil, and a shape memory alloy actuator coupled between the airfoil and the deployable device. In one embodiment, the deployable device can be coupled to the airfoil with a hinge having a hinge load path supporting the deployable device relative to the airfoil, and the actuator can be movable along a motion path different than the hinge load path between a first position with the deployable device deployed relative to the airfoil, and a second position with the deployable device stowed relative to the airfoil. In another embodiment, an activatable link can be positioned between the actuator and the deployable device, and can have an engaged configuration in which motion of the actuator is transmitted to the deployable device, and a disengaged configuration in which motion of the actuator is not transmitted to the deployable device.

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First Claim