A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing
of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end
and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A
motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second
opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive
shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and
has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is
movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut
in a first direction and a second extended position in response to
rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch
is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the
housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in
response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap. First and
second concentric gimbals are positioned about the longitudinal axis
adjacent the housing. The gimbals interconnect the housing to the wing.