Abstract: An apparatus and method for the disassembly of an ultra high bypass turbine engine having an outer engine portion and an inner engine portion. A plurality of fan blades and acoustic panels are removed from the inner portion of the engine. The outer portion of the engine which includes a plurality of fan outlet guide vanes and fan casing are disconnected from the engine and axially removed. Certain outer portions of the engine including a hinged thrust reverser and hinged fan cowling may be coupled to an aircraft pylon and used interchangeably with replacement engines.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a core frame separable from a vane frame for removably attaching the vane frame to a core structure through a mid ring. The mid ring includes an annular forward panel and an annular aft panel, each of which has a radially outer flange and a radially inner flange. The inner flanges are welded to the core frame and the outer flanges are bolted to the vane frame. A plurality of circumferentially spaced stiffeners extend between the forward and aft panels, with each of the stiffeners including a pair of stringers extending diagonally across the stiffeners. Panels may be incorporated with the stringers between the triangular shaped areas adjacent the forward and aft panels of the stiffener. The bolted connection between the mid ring and the vane frame includes a plurality of tongue and groove joints formed in the flanges of the mid ring and vane frame. The tongue and groove joints provide additional radial support for the core engine within the vane frame.

Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly is disclosed for a wing mounted gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle having an outlet for discharging exhaust gases over a surface of the wing. The assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment includes a deflector having forward and aft ends, and first and second sides joined together by a base. The deflector is positionable in a stowed position around the exhaust nozzle so that the aft end is aligned generally with the nozzle outlet for allowing substantially unobstructed discharge of exhaust gases therefrom, and in a deployed position for changing direction of exhaust gases for thrust reversal. A pair of bellcranks are positioned adjacent to respective ones of the deflector sides and actuators are povided for rotating the bellcranks for moving the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.