Abstract: Turbine aircraft engine starter systems and controllers for use therewith, and methods of starting turbine aircraft engines are described. A starter is operably connected with an aircraft engine and configured to initiate an engine start cycle which includes engine rotation and a fuel ignition point. A power source is connected with the starter and is configured to provide power thereto in accordance with at least first and second settings which apply different magnitudes of voltage to the starter. The first setting initiates the engine start cycle and the second setting accelerates the engine through the start cycle after the fuel ignition point. A controller is operably connected with the starter and the power source and is configured to monitor the engine start cycle and responsive to a controller-determinable time during the engine start cycle changes the first setting to the second setting.

Abstract: A missile, in particular for combatting moving targets, has several propulsion units arranged one after the other along the longitudinal axis of the missile. At least two propulsion units arranged one after the other can be operated simultaneously, and the missile contains an ignition control that is set up for optional ignition of these propulsion units at the same time or successively.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided that includes one or more engines, an air-driven generator, and a start-circuit for operably connecting an electrical output of the air driven generator for starting one or more of the engines while the aircraft is in flight. Various embodiments also provide apparatus for cross-ship electric starting of multiple engines while the aircraft is in flight or on the ground using: an electrical output of a generator attached to another engine; on-board batteries; an on board auxiliary power unit; or power received from a ground source. A single start-converter is utilized to supply power to AC starter-motors for electric starting of the aircraft's engines. In some embodiments, the engine is soft-started with the air driven generator, by controlling blade pitch in an air driven turbine driving the air driven generator, without the use of the start converter.

Abstract: A helicopter equipped with a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine in which an override clutch is arranged in a drive connection between the internal combustion engine and a rotor drive, is equipped with separate first and second electric motor starter devices (screw-push starters). A starter operation takes place in two phases whereby in a first phase initially the rotor drive is brought to a rotor synchronous rotational speed syn by means of the first starter device and in a second phase the internal combustion engine is started by means of the second starter device. When the internal combustion engine exceeds the idling rotational speed nl, the override clutch establishes the power-flow connection between the internal combustion engine and the rotor drive. Both phases can be carried out manually as also by a partly automatic or fully automatic control system on the basis of key depression.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a cable drum drivably connected to the compressor and turbine of the engine. A cable is wound about said drum and is tensioned by relative movement between the engine and a support vehicle to effect rotation of the engine compressor and turbine independently of air flow through said engine.

Abstract: The multifunction power system is a combination auxiliary power unit, environmental control system, engine start system, and emergency power system for an aircraft. The system is essentially a four-wheel auxiliary power unit comprising two compressors driven by one turbine by means of a common shaft and in addition a free turbine. The pressurized flow from the second compressor can be directed to parallel combustors and thereafter to the two turbines. A starter-generator and motor are coupled to the compressor drive shaft and the free turbine is used to power a generator and for engine starting. Ducts, heat exchangers, valves, etc., are so arranged as to provide the four functions by proper selection and routing of air.

Abstract: A propulsion system for airbreathing vehicles having a ducted inlet for a supersonic powerplant and incorporating means in the vehicle for momentarily changing the normal flight attitude of the vehicle for obtaining high inlet pressure recovery for the propulsion powerplant and thereafter returning the vehicle to a normal flight attitude.

Abstract: A device for starting an aircraft engine which is capable of being started by rotating a propeller connected to the crankshaft of the engine. The device comprises an anchor device for fixedly positioning on the landing surface below the propeller; this anchor device can be held in place by a portion of the aircraft itself; in one case, the nose wheel and in another case, a separate extension arrangement. A holding device is provided for connection to the anchor device for holding the propeller and the crankshaft of the engine against rotation in a proper starting position while a rotative device is provided for connection to the anchor device for placing a biasing force on the propeller for rotating it. The anchor device has forwardly extending arms, or members, with an attaching device fixed below the propeller, the holding device and rotative device are each fixed between the propeller and the attaching device.

Abstract: A device for starting an aircraft engine which is capable of being started by rotating a propeller connected to the crankshaft of the engine. The device comprises an anchor for fixedly positioning on the landing surface below the propeller; this anchor can be held in place by a portion of the aircraft itself; in one case, the nose wheel and in another case, a separate extension arrangement. A holding device is provided for holding the propeller and crankshaft of the engine against rotation in a proper starting position while a rotative device is provided for placing a biasing force on the propeller for rotating it. When desired, the holding device is remotely released and the propeller is pulled through the compression stroke by the rotative device and rotated in a manner to start the engine by the rotation of the crankshaft. Each of the holding device and rotative device has a propeller tip cap for connection to the propeller, while the other ends are fixed to the anchor.

Abstract: In an aircraft flight line servicing system there is provided an electrical power unit and an air compressor from which extend respectively a plurality of electrical and air distribution lines and a plurality of service islands are each connected to all of the electrical and air distribution lines. Each service island is provided with components for supplying both starting air and cooling air and electricity to aircraft. The distribution lines and service islands may be detachably mounted upon the surface of the flight line and have such a height and shape so as to enable aircraft tires to pass thereover.

Abstract: A nacelle for use with a gas turbine engine is provided with an integral webbed structure resembling a spoked wheel for rigidly interconnecting the nacelle and engine. The nacelle is entirely supported in its spacial relationship with the engine by means of the webbed structure. The inner surface of the nacelle defines the outer limits of the engine motive fluid flow annulus while the outer surface of the nacelle defines a steamlined envelope for the engine.