Abstract: A nozzle load transferring system is provided for transferring at least a portion of the thrust load of a gas turbine engine thrust vectoring nozzle to a relatively stationary portion of the engine using a track and track follower disposed between a stationary portion of the engine and the vectorable flaps respectively so as to transfer the thrust loads developed on the vectorable flaps to the track follower and then to the track. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a convergent/divergent axisymmetric vectoring nozzle having a plurality of universally pivotable divergent flaps wherein the track is mounted to the engine case and has a spherical following surface with a center of curvature on the nozzle's center-line. A divergent flap actuating ring is pivotably received within the track by a plurality of track followers mounted to the actuating ring and in roller bearing relationship with the track surface.

Abstract: An aircraft speedbrake is integrated into a jet engine exhaust nozzle. A first set of nozzle flaps which are normally out of the airstream, are extended into the airstream to create drag on the airframe and thereby act as speedbrakes. A second set of nozzle flaps are opened when the first set of nozzle flaps are extended into the airstream, to simultaneously spoil the thrust of the engine.