Abstract: A rotor system lock for a gas turbine engine is described which blocks movement of rotating wheel assemblies relative to static vane assemblies in a gas turbine engine in order to block unintended rotation (or windmilling) of the gas turbine engine when it is exposed to high winds while at rest or to ram air during pre-launch flight and thereby avoid damage to components of the engine.

Abstract: A power plant for an aircraft such as an unmanned aero vehicle in which a gas turbine engine drives an electric generator to produce electrical power for a system load of the aircraft. An engine control unit monitors engine performance and regulates engine power output through fuel flow control to a combustor. A power control module regulates power output of the generator to the system load and to a battery through a bus. A pulse width modulation is used between the power control module and the bus to optimize performance of the gas turbine engine instead of adjusting fuel flow to the combustor.

Abstract: A gas turbine health monitoring fuel system including a fuel splitter, a first and second fuel nozzle, a first and second fuel pump, and a common drive coupled to the first and second fuel pumps. The first and second fuel pumps are downstream from the fuel splitter. The first fuel nozzle is fluidly coupled to the first fuel pump by a first fuel stream. The second fuel nozzle is fluidly coupled to the second fuel pump by a second fuel stream. The common drive is configured to drive the first and second fuel pumps at a same speed. The controller system is configured to determine a first fuel pressure in the first fuel stream, determine a second fuel pressure in the second fuel stream, and identify a difference between the first and second fuel pressures.

Abstract: A rotor system lock for a gas turbine engine is described which blocks movement of rotating wheel assemblies relative to static vane assemblies in a gas turbine engine in order to block unintended rotation (or windmilling) of the gas turbine engine when it is exposed to high winds while at rest or to ram air during pre-launch flight and thereby avoid damage to components of the engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine health monitoring fuel system including a fuel splitter, a first and second fuel nozzle, a first and second fuel pump, and a common drive coupled to the first and second fuel pumps. The first and second fuel pumps are downstream from the fuel splitter. The first fuel nozzle is fluidly coupled to the first fuel pump by a first fuel stream. The second fuel nozzle is fluidly coupled to the second fuel pump by a second fuel stream. The common drive is configured to drive the first and second fuel pumps at a same speed. The controller system is configured to determine a first fuel pressure in the first fuel stream, determine a second fuel pressure in the second fuel stream, and identify a difference between the first and second fuel pressures.

Abstract: A thrust-producing engine includes an engine structure, a rotor that is electrically isolated from the engine structure, and an electrical conductor connected to the engine structure. The electrical conductor is in electrical contact with the engine structure and the rotor as the rotor rotates relative to the electrical conductor and the engine structure to reduce electrical arcing between the engine structure and the rotor.

Abstract: A control system for a helicopter power plant with three power units driving the lifting rotor system. Each power unit comprises a gas-coupled gas turbine engine, a hydromechanical fuel control receiving electrical inputs to set a gas generator governor, an engine electronic control, and engine accessories.Power plant operation is normally controlled by the pilot through condition levers and switches on a control quadrant, through a collective pitch control for the rotor blades, and through a master beeper switch which is operable to trim the setting of a rotor speed governor and the gas generator governors. A condition lever transmits a speed command signal through the electronic control of each power unit to its gas generator governor. A collective pitch signal from the rotor control system is another factor in setting the gas generator governor of each unit.The power plant includes a power management control which equalizes the power outputs of the engines and includes the rotor isochronous governor.