Abstract: A mounting system and method capable of reducing backbone deflection in a high-bypass turbofan engine. The system includes a rigid structure and a linkage mechanism having at least first and second links that are each pivotally connected to the rigid structure and adapted to be pivotally connected to an engine support structure of the aircraft. The first and second links are configured to define a focal point thereof at a location that is a distance from a centerline of the engine of not more than 15% of an inlet diameter at an inlet of the engine, and is located aft of a vector of an inlet load to which the engine is subjected when the aircraft is in a climb maneuver. The location of the focal point is such that a moment of a thrust load of the engine and a moment of the inlet load oppose each other, thereby reducing backbone bending of the engine during the climb maneuver.

Abstract: Assembly for supporting a gas turbine engine comprises a support member including mounting sites for attachment to an associated aircraft. The support member includes integral slider tracks disposed on opposed sidewalls for selective engagement with a translatable cowl. The translatable cowl is translatable along the slider tracks to selectively cover and expose a cascade thrust-reversing structure. The cascade structure includes arcuate segments mounted in hinged relationship to the support member. Rearward translation of the translatable cowl to a service position permits the cascade structure to be opened for access to the core engine.

Abstract: A variable fan nozzle assembly includes a cowl member mounted on a slider track. The slider track may be articulated relative to a support member to slightly modify the position of the cowl member to vary the fan nozzle exit area. At least one 4-bar linkage may be utilized to allow articulation of the slider track responsive to an actuator. A method for varying a fan nozzle exit area includes mounting a first slider track in articulatable relationship with a support member; mounting a first cowl member in slidable relationship with a first slider track such that a fan nozzle is at least partially defined by a surface of the first cowl member; varying the operational position of the first cowl member by articulating the first slider track without sliding the first cowl member with respect to the first slider track to vary the fan nozzle exit area.

Abstract: A method and system suitable facilitating the connection and disconnection of a thrust reverser assembly to a fan case of a nacelle of a gas turbine engine. The method and system entail operating a clamping system to simultaneously engage and disengage flanges associated with the fan case and flanges associated with the fixed structure of the thrust reverser assembly. The clamping system includes a plurality of over-center clamping mechanisms, each of which is movable to simultaneously clamp together complementary flanges of the thrust reverser assembly and the fan case.

Abstract: A method and system suitable facilitating the connection and disconnection of a thrust reverser assembly to a fan case of a nacelle of a gas turbine engine. The method and system entail operating a clamping system to simultaneously engage and disengage flanges associated with the fan case and flanges associated with the fixed structure of the thrust reverser assembly. The clamping system includes a plurality of over-center clamping mechanisms, each of which is movable to simultaneously clamp together complementary flanges of the thrust reverser assembly and the fan case.

Abstract: A mounting system and method capable of reducing backbone deflection in a high-bypass turbofan engine. The system includes a rigid structure and a linkage mechanism having at least first and second links that are each pivotally connected to the rigid structure and adapted to be pivotally connected to an engine support structure of the aircraft. The first and second links are configured to define a focal point thereof at a location that is a distance from a centerline of the engine of not more than 15% of an inlet diameter at an inlet of the engine, and is located aft of a vector of an inlet load to which the engine is subjected when the aircraft is in a climb maneuver. The location of the focal point is such that a moment of a thrust load of the engine and a moment of the inlet load oppose each other, thereby reducing backbone bending of the engine during the climb maneuver.

Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly includes a first cowl member and a second cowl member repositionable relative to the first cowl member and operable to open a gap between the first cowl member and the second cowl member. A movable member is in supported connection with the second cowl member. The movable member is passively actuatable to move between a generally axially extending disposition and a generally radially extending disposition to direct bypass airflow of a turbofan engine.

Abstract: Assembly for supporting a gas turbine engine comprises a support member including mounting sites for attachment to an associated aircraft. The support member includes integral slider tracks disposed on opposed sidewalls for selective engagement with a translatable cowl. The translatable cowl is translatable along the slider tracks to selectively cover and expose a cascade thrust-reversing structure. The cascade structure includes arcuate segments mounted in hinged relationship to the support member. Rearward translation of the translatable cowl to a service position permits the cascade structure to be opened for access to the core engine.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine assembly for an aircraft that includes a wing, wherein the gas turbine engine includes a core gas turbine engine and a fan coupled to the core gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine assembly extends upstream from the wing and includes a first cowl and a second cowl that is repositionable with respect to the first cowl. The method includes selectively positioning the second cowl in a first operational position such that airflow is channeled from the gas turbine engine across a surface of the wing to facilitate increasing lift, and selectively positioning the second cowl in a second operational position such that the airflow is channeled from the gas turbine engine to effect reverse thrust.