Abstract: A composite, ceramic/metallic fabricated blade unit for an axial flow rotor includes an elongated metallic support member having an airfoil-shaped strut, one end of which is connected to a dovetail root for attachment to the rotor disc, while the opposite end thereof includes an end cap of generally airfoil-shape. The circumferential undercut extending between the end cap and the blade root is clad with an airfoil-shaped ceramic member such that the cross-section of the ceramic member substantially corresponds to the airfoil-shaped cross-section of the end cap, whereby the resulting composite ceramic/metallic blade has a smooth, exterior airfoil surface. The metallic support member has a longitudinally extending opening through which coolant is passed during the fabrication of the blade.

Abstract: A combining reduction and accessory gear box receiving power input from a multiple of gas turbine engines includes provisions for providing separate accessory drives for each engine used therewith, and an output drive that is driven by any number or all of the engines. Each gas turbine engine, as well as the gears associated therewith and its connection to the output drive, is totally independent of the other engines.