Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system. Another embodiment is a unique aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and electrical power and thermal management systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system and a unique aircraft having a unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system are provided. The electrical power and thermal management system includes a turbine, which may power loads, for example but not limited to, a generator and a refrigerant compressor. The turbine may be in fluid communication with a gas turbine engine bleed air source to extract power from bleed air for powering the loads. A combustor may be fluidly disposed between the bleed air source and the turbine. The turbine may be part of a gas turbine engine distinct from a propulsion gas turbine engine. In one aspect, at least a portion of the electrical power and thermal management system may be disposed within an aircraft external pod. The pod may be configured to appear similar to a conventional external fuel tank pod employed by the aircraft.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique system for supplying electrical power to an aircraft electrical load during flight operations. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fluid driven actuation systems.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided with a gas turbine engine having a plurality of shafts. A first shaft provides power to an electrical generator and a propeller, while a second shaft provides power to a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may be integrated to the propeller, like a ducted fan, or on the outer skin of the aircraft.

Abstract: An electric machine is disclosed integrated to rotate with a shaft of a gas turbine engine. In one form the electric machine is integrated with a fan of the gas turbine engine. A rotor of the electric machine can be disposed at the end of the fan blades and the stator integrated into a flow path forming surface of the gas turbine engine. In one form the windings of the electric machine can change configuration permitting some windings to be placed in parallel with one or more other windings, and then connected together in series with remaining windings, if any. The voltage of the electric machine can change as a result of a change in configuration of the windings. A moveable member can also be used to alter a magnetic field produced from the electric machine when operated such that a voltage can be changed as a result of altering the magnetic field.

Abstract: A system is disclosed one form of which is an aircraft that includes a pod capable of housing a work providing device. The pod can also include a thermal conditioning system and a power generation device that can be powered from the work providing device. The pod can provide thermal conditioning services and power services to a payload aboard the aircraft. In one non-limiting form the payload is a directed energy member that can be cooled using the thermal conditioning system and powered using the power generation device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique airborne electrical power and thermal management system. Another embodiment is a unique aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and electrical power and thermal management systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.