Passive gust-load-alleviation device

A passive gust load alleviation device for an aerodynamic panel, comprising:

• a revolute joint having an axis of rotation;
• a free-floating aerodynamic surface operatively connected along a trailing edge of the aerodynamic panel via the revolute joint, wherein the free-floating aerodynamic surface is configured to move about the axis of rotation without controllable actuation force being applied to the free-floating aerodynamic surface;
• and
• a counterweight operatively connected to the free-floating aerodynamic surface, wherein the counterweight and the free-floating aerodynamic surface together have a center of gravity located forward of the axis of rotation relative to a direction of ambient airflow across the aerodynamic panel, and wherein the counterweight is configured to passively deflect the free-floating aerodynamic surface about the axis of rotation in response to an incident wind gust to thereby alleviate a gust load on the aerodynamic panel resulting from the incident wind gust.