Fluidic artificial muscle actuation system for trailing-edge flap

In a fluid foil having a trailing-edge flap, an actuation system for moving said flap, comprising:

• a fluidic pressure source
• a first fluidic artificial muscle (FAM) actuator mounted in said fluid foil and operatively coupled to said fluid pressure source;
• a second fluidic artificial muscle actuator mounted in said fluid foil and operatively coupled to said fluid pressure source;
• a first linkage coupled at a proximal end to said first FAM actuator and extending therefrom in a spanwise direction;
• a second linkage coupled at a first end to said second FAM actuator and extending therefrom in a spanwise direction;
• a bellcrank pivotally affixed within said fluid foil, said first linkage engaged at a distal end to a first moment arm of said bellcrank and said second linkage engaged at a distal end to a second moment arm of said bellcrank oppositional to said first linkage;
• and
• a transfer arm connected from a third moment arm of said bellcrank to said trailing-edge flap;
• whereby differential pressurization of said first FAM actuator and said second FAM actuator causes said flap to rotate in a first direction when the fluidic pressure in said first FAM actuator exceeds the fluidic pressure in said second FAM actuator and rotating in a second direction when the fluidic pressure in said second FAM actuator exceeds the fluidic pressure in said first FAM actuator.