Abstract: Actuators utilising shape memory alloy materials are known with regard to gas turbine engines. Such shape memory alloys have been used with respect to deformation provided in vanes and blades as well as nozzle elements in order that variations can be made in engine configuration dependent upon thermal cycling. Unfortunately, pedestals in order to provide spacing between the shape memory alloy and an antagonistic bias has resulted in uneven stress distribution as well as a higher thermal mass for the shape memory alloy. An uneven stress distribution will limit operational life whilst a higher thermal mass will result in slower reaction times. By separation of the shape memory alloy or material from its antagonistic bias through use of a slide element, a reduction in thermal mass is achieved and, more importantly, stress differentiation across the actuator is reduced.

Abstract: In the control system for a turbo-charged diesel aircraft engine, a target value for a fuel injection amount is determined by the stroke of a throttle lever. A boost compensator determines the maximum limit for the fuel injection amount in accordance with the boost pressure of the engine in order to suppress the formation of exhaust smoke. The actual fuel injection amount is set at the target value or the maximum limit whichever is smaller. An electronic control unit (ECU) calculates an increase rate of the stroke of the throttle lever based on an output of the stroke sensor disposed near the throttle lever. The ECU determines that the current operating condition of the aircraft requires a rapid increase in the engine output power when the increase rate of the stroke is larger than a predetermined value and increases the maximum limit determined by the boost compensator.

Abstract: In the control system for a turbo-charged diesel aircraft engine, a target value for a fuel injection amount is determined by the stroke of a throttle lever. A boost compensator determines the maximum limit for the fuel injection amount in accordance with the boost pressure of the engine in order to suppress the formation of exhaust smoke. The actual fuel injection amount is set at the target value or the maximum limit whichever is smaller. An electronic control unit (ECU) calculates an increase rate of the stroke of the throttle lever based on an output of the stroke sensor disposed near the throttle lever. The ECU determines that the current operating condition of the aircraft requires a rapid increase in the engine output power when the increase rate of the stroke is larger than a predetermined value and increases the maximum limit determined by the boost compensator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an aircraft engine with a single, manually-operable lever includes structure and function for generating a pilot thrust command from the single lever. A processor is coupled to the single lever and (i) receives the generated pilot thrust command, (ii) receives a plurality of detected ambient air flight conditions, (iii) receives a plurality of detected engine performance parameters, (iv) determines first and second engine control commands based on the received pilot thrust command, the detected ambient air flight conditions, and the engine performance parameters, and (v) outputs first and second output signals respectively corresponding to the first and second engine control commands. Preferably, the engine control commands comprise propeller RPM and engine inlet manifold air pressure commands, and the detected ambient air flight conditions comprise air speed and altitude.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an aircraft engine with a single, manually-operable lever includes structure and function for generating a pilot thrust command from the single lever. A processor is coupled to the single lever and (i) receives the generated pilot thrust command, (ii) receives a plurality of detected ambient air flight conditions, (iii) receives a plurality of detected engine performance parameters, (iv) determines first and second engine control commands based on the received pilot thrust command, the detected ambient air flight conditions, and the engine performance parameters, and (v) outputs first and second output signals respectively corresponding to the first and second engine control commands. Preferably, the engine control commands comprise propeller RPM and engine inlet manifold air pressure commands, and the detected ambient air flight conditions comprise air speed and altitude.

Abstract: An engine plant for aircraft comprising a multicylinder internal combustion engine (1) whose crankshaft drives an adjustable pitch propeller (5), mechanisms for adjusting the engine speed and a common power stick (4) that controls the operation of the engine and of the adjustment mechanisms, characterized in that said engine is a compression ignition engine (1) that cooperates with an electronic control system (3) controlling the quantity of the fuel injected.

Abstract: A pitch control apparatus for a variable pitch propeller for drive connection to an aircraft engine, wherein an optimum rotation number of the engine is calculated in relation to a flight speed of the aircraft, an opening degree of the engine throttle and the density of atmospheric air in flight of the aircraft to maximize a thurst force acting on the aircraft, and wherein a pitch angle of the propeller blade is controlled in such a manner that the rotation number of the engine becomes substantially equal to the optimum rotation number.

Abstract: A propulsion aggregate for an aircraft consisting of a multicylinder-injection internal combustion engine and of a propeller with adjustable blade pitch driven either directly by the engine or by way of a speed reduction gear. The internal combustion engine is equipped with a commercially available continuously operating fuel injection system which for safety reasons and for designing for optimum aircraft operation, is additionally provided with additional control installations. A throttle valve in the suction line of the internal combustion engine, the blade pitch of the propeller and, in case the internal combustion engine is charged by a turbocharger, also the charging pressure are adjustable by a common adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A coordinated fan pitch, fuel flow and fan exhaust nozzle area control for a gas turbine powered aircraft propulsor of the bypass duct, variable pitch and exhaust nozzle configuration serves to effectuate reverse pitch change through feather, by minimizing forward thrust excursion and shaft torque to obtain rapid reverse thrust response.

Abstract: A control for a variable pitch fan propulsor driven by a turbine type of power plant which fan is mounted in an engine bypass duct having a variable exit nozzle. The control serves to coordinate the control of fuel flow to the engine, the area of the fan exit nozzle, and the pitch of the fan blades by biasing the power lever position signal with Flight Mach No. An additional feature is the inclusion of fan surge control derived from signals of flight Mach No. and corrected free turbine speed.