Abstract: A panel for a nacelle structure that surrounds a jet engine core includes a longitudinally extending, generally semicircular center region, an upper bifurcation region, a lower bifurcation region, a hinge beam region extending from the upper bifurcation region and configured to receive an upper thrust reverser track guide, and a latch beam region extending from the lower bifurcation region and configured to receive a lower thrust reverser track guide. A bypass duct is formed in a space between the panel and the nacelle structure. A hinge beam structure and latch beam structure are integrally formed with the panel. An inner skin layer extends continuously across a bond panel surface generally facing the engine core and an outer skin layer extends continuously across a bond panel surface generally facing the bypass duct, the inner and outer skin layers extending across the center region, upper and lower bifurcation regions, hinge beam region, and latch beam region.

Abstract: A hybrid beam for support of a nacelle panel of a jet engine is disclosed. The beam is comprised of a first longitudinal composite panel and a second longitudinal composite panel, wherein the first longitudinal composite panel is integrally affixed to the second longitudinal composite panel along a longitudinal edge. The composite panels form a composite beam structure that is substantially open with a cross-section that is generally “L-shaped”. A plurality of hinge stations are affixed to a first side of the first longitudinal composite panel and at least one track guide is disposed on a second side of the first longitudinal composite panel. The track guides receive a head portion of a slider that is fixed to the translating jet engine nacelle panel. Each hinge station further comprises a bushing for defining a center of rotation for the jet engine nacelle panel relative to the beam.

Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a forward nacelle portion having an aft edge and defining a bypass duct that transports bypass airflow of the turbofan engine, a translatable sleeve that is translatable aft of the forward nacelle portion, and a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) airfoil that is movable between a stowed position, a VAFN flow position, and a thrust reverse position. Blocker doors for the thrust position are integrated into the VAFN airfoil.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing so as to form a clearance space therebetween. The nacelle includes at least a first cowling which at least partially defines an inlet of the nacelle and which at least partially defines an outlet of the nacelle. The first cowling can include a unitary portion that extends continuously from the inlet to the outlet. The first cowling can also include a flattened surface.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing so as to form a clearance space therebetween. The nacelle includes at least a first cowling which at least partially defines an inlet of the nacelle and which at least partially defines an outlet of the nacelle. The first cowling can include a unitary portion that extends continuously from the inlet to the outlet. The first cowling can also include a flattened surface.

Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a forward nacelle portion having an aft edge and defining a bypass duct that transports bypass airflow of the turbofan engine, a translatable sleeve that is translatable aft of the forward nacelle portion, and a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) airfoil that is movable between a stowed position, a VAFN flow position, and a thrust reverse position. Blocker doors for the thrust position are integrated into the VAFN airfoil.

Abstract: A panel for a nacelle structure that surrounds a jet engine core includes a longitudinally extending, generally semicircular center region, an upper bifurcation region, a lower bifurcation region, a hinge beam region extending from the upper bifurcation region and configured to receive an upper thrust reverser track guide, and a latch beam region extending from the lower bifurcation region and configured to receive a lower thrust reverser track guide. A bypass duct is formed in a space between the panel and the nacelle structure. A hinge beam structure and latch beam structure are integrally formed with the panel. An inner skin layer extends continuously across a bond panel surface generally facing the engine core and an outer skin layer extends continuously across a bond panel surface generally facing the bypass duct, the inner and outer skin layers extending across the center region, upper and lower bifurcation regions, hinge beam region, and latch beam region.

Abstract: A hybrid beam for support of a nacelle panel of a jet engine is disclosed. The beam is comprised of a first longitudinal composite panel and a second longitudinal composite panel, wherein the first longitudinal composite panel is integrally affixed to the second longitudinal composite panel along a longitudinal edge. The composite panels form a composite beam structure that is substantially open with a cross-section that is generally “L-shaped”. A plurality of hinge stations are affixed to a first side of the first longitudinal composite panel and at least one track guide is disposed on a second side of the first longitudinal composite panel. The track guides receive a head portion of a slider that is fixed to the translating jet engine nacelle panel. Each hinge station further comprises a bushing for defining a center of rotation for the jet engine nacelle panel relative to the beam.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing so as to form a clearance space therebetween. The nacelle includes at least a first cowling which at least partially defines an inlet of the nacelle and which at least partially defines an outlet of the nacelle. The first cowling can include a unitary portion that extends continuously from the inlet to the outlet. The first cowling can also include a flattened surface.

Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle inlet is provided with an inlet cowling. The inlet cowling includes an inner lip, an outer lip, and a leading edge portion connecting the inner and outer lips. Heating elements are provided proximate the leading edge, either on an inside surface of the cowling or on an outside surface. An inner barrel portion and an outer barrel portion of the nacelle inlet define a space therebetween. Ice protection-related equipment such as controllers, cables, switches, connectors, and the like, may reside in this space. One or more access openings are formed in the outer barrel to enable an operator to gain access to this equipment. The inlet cowling attaches to the inner and outer barrels with its outer lip extending sufficiently far in the aft direction to cover the access opening. When the cowling is removed, the access opening is uncovered, thereby permitting access to the equipment.

Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle inlet is provided with an inlet cowling. The inlet cowling includes an inner lip, an outer lip, and a leading edge portion connecting the inner and outer lips. Heating elements are provided proximate the leading edge, either on an inside surface of the cowling or on an outside surface. An inner barrel portion and an outer barrel portion of the nacelle inlet define a space therebetween. Ice protection-related equipment such as controllers, cables, switches, connectors, and the like, may reside in this space. One or more access openings are formed in the outer barrel to enable an operator to gain access to this equipment. The inlet cowling attaches to the inner and outer barrels with its outer lip extending sufficiently far in the aft direction to cover the access opening. When the cowling is removed, the access opening is uncovered, thereby permitting access to the equipment.

Abstract: An integral "C" duct for the thrust reverser region of ducted fan gas turbine engines. The integral duct is useful in a turbine engine having a core engine surrounded by an engine casing and nacelle, with a fan at the inlet directing air flow into the bypass duct between core engine and engine nacelle. The "C" duct basically consists of right and left "C" shaped ducts with bifurcations (radial flanges) permitting the halves to be fastened together to produce a tubular duct adapted to surround a gas turbine engine and form the inner wall of a bypass duct. The disclosed duct eliminates the prior complex corner fittings connecting the "C" shaped portion of the duct and the bifurcations and provides simple, integral corners.