Abstract: The present technology is directed to a remotely controlled aircraft that can be transported without the risk of damaging certain components, such as the arms and/or propellers. In one non-limiting example, the remotely controlled aircraft technology described herein provides a housing that allows the arms of the remotely controlled aircraft to extend and/or retract through openings in the housing. When retracted, the arms and propellers are protected within an area of the structure of the housing, and when extended, the arms and propellers are operable to make the remotely controlled aircraft fly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for starting an aircraft gas turbine engine are described. The method comprises, in a first phase of a startup upon receipt of a start request, modifying a first set of engine control parameters to cause light-up; in a second phase of the startup, modifying a second set of engine control parameters to set conditions for light-around; and in a third phase of the startup, modifying a third set of engine control parameters to propagate a flame around a combustor of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: There are described methods and systems for operating an aircraft having two or more engines. One method comprises operating the two or more engines of the aircraft in an asymmetric operating regime, wherein a first of the engines is in an active mode to provide motive power to the aircraft and a second of the engines is in a standby mode to provide substantially no motive power to the aircraft; governing the first engine in the active mode using a first governing logic; and governing the second engine in the standby mode using a second governing logic, the second governing logic based on a target compressor speed and variable geometry mechanism (VGM) settings that are adjusted using trim values dependent on at least one parameter of the second engine in the standby mode.

Abstract: A casing of a turbine of a turbine engine includes an internal shroud, an external shroud extending around the internal shroud, and hollow arms connecting the external shroud to the internal shroud and each intended to receive a tubular auxiliary element, each hollow arm defining an inner housing connecting a first passage orifice passing through the internal shroud in the radial direction to a second passage orifice passing through the external shroud in the radial direction, and including an inner wall facing the inner housing. Each arm includes at least one protrusion on the inner wall of the arm protruding from the inner wall towards the inner housing and defining a constriction of the inner housing in a section plane orthogonal to the direction in which the arm extends.

Abstract: An aircraft has a fuselage, left and right wings, and left and right engine assemblies connected to the wings. Each engine assembly has a nacelle, an engine housed in the nacelle, the engine having a plurality of rotors defining an uncontained rotor impact area, a pylon connecting the nacelle to its wing, at least one hydraulic actuator connected to at least one of the engine and the nacelle, at least one directional control valve hydraulically connected to the at least one hydraulic actuator, and at least one isolation valve hydraulically connected to the at least one directional control valve for selectively cutting off a supply of hydraulic fluid to the at least one directional control valve, the at least one isolation valve being disposed rearward of the uncontained rotor impact area and forward of a trailing edge of its corresponding wing.

Abstract: A constant volume combustion chamber for a turbine engine, includes an intake port, an exhaust port, and a first rotary shutter facing the intake and exhaust ports and configured to rotate around an axis in a first direction of rotation, the first shutter including an aperture intended to cooperate alternately with the intake and exhaust ports during the rotation of the first shutter. The chamber further includes at least one second rotary shutter facing the intake and exhaust ports and configured to rotate around the axis in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction, the second shutter including an aperture intended to cooperate alternately with the intake and exhaust ports during the rotation of the second shutter, the first and second shutters being synchronized and configured so that their respective apertures intersect alternately when both are facing the intake and when both are facing exhaust ports.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an inlet duct that is formed with a generally elliptical shape. The inlet duct includes a vertical centerline and a fan section that has an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is spaced from the vertical centerline and is disposed within an inlet duct orifice.

Abstract: An extended expander cycle system comprising a rocket engine having a plurality of channels; a plurality of fuel supplied one-wheel-turbopumps; a plurality of oxidizer supplied one-wheel-turbopumps; wherein utilization of the plurality of channels for both fuel and oxidizer and utilization of plurality of fuel and oxidizer supplied one-wheel-turbopumps provides adequate energy for fuel and oxidizer pressurization.

Abstract: A method for determining an engine heath of an aircraft engine includes determining, by one or more control devices, the aircraft engine is operating in a bleed off condition; determining, by the one or more control devices, a first engine health modifier value while the aircraft engine is operating in the bleed off condition, the first of engine health modifier value including a compressor leakage flow value; determining, by the one or more control devices, a second plurality of engine health modifier values while the aircraft engine is operating in a bleed on condition; and determining, by the one or more control devices, an engine health parameter using at least one of the second plurality of engine health modifier values determined while the aircraft engine is operating in the bleed on condition and the compressor leakage flow value determined while the aircraft engine was operating in the bleed off condition.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine may include a high pressure compressor coupled to a high pressure turbine by a high pressure shaft, a core combustor located downstream of the high pressure compressor and upstream of the high pressure turbine, and a low pressure compressor provided upstream of the high pressure compressor. The low pressure compressor may be configured to direct core airflow to the high pressure compressor and first bypass airflow which bypasses the high pressure compressor, core combustor and high pressure turbine through a first bypass duct. The engine may further include a mixer downstream of the high pressure turbine and low pressure compressor, the mixer being configured to mix the core and first bypass airflows. The engine also may include a re-heat combustor configured to combust fuel with both core airflow and first bypass airflow.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of operating at a variety of speeds includes a power plant and an auxiliary turbine. The auxiliary turbine can be a ram air turbine used to expand and cool an airflow and provide work. The cooled airflow from the auxiliary turbine can be used in a heat exchange device such as, but not limited to, a fuel/air heat exchanger. In one embodiment the cooled airflow can be used to exchange heat with a compressor airflow being routed to cool a turbine. Work developed from the auxiliary turbine can be used to power a heating device and rotate a device to add work to a shaft of the aircraft power plant. In one form the aircraft power plant is a gas turbine engine and the work developed from the auxiliary turbine is used to heat a combustor flow or to drive a shaft that couples a turbine and a compressor.

Abstract: A method for limitation of torque build-up of an engine (230) in a motor vehicle (100, 110), including the steps of continuously identifying (s410) a pattern pertaining to a maximum permissible torque (Tqmax); responding to torque demand (s420) by guiding torque build-up towards desired torque (Tqreq); responding to torque demand by continuously determining (s440) a difference (Tqdiff; Tqdiffnorm) between maximum permissible torque (Tqmax) and a prevailing torque (Tq); and controlling the torque build-up (s460) so that the resulting torque (Tq) is a function of the continuously determined difference (Tqdiff; Tqdiffnorm). Also a computer program product containing program code (P) for a computer (200; 210; 500) for implementing a method according to the invention. Also a device that performs the method and a motor vehicle (100; 110) equipped with the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine defines a radial direction and an axial centerline. The gas turbine engine includes a core turbine engine that defines a core inlet. The core inlet is oriented with respect to the axial centerline and positioned along the radial direction such that the area available to capture foreign object debris is minimized. In one aspect, the gas turbine engine defines a capture ratio less than about 35%, wherein the capture ratio is a ratio of an area between a splitter radius and a tangency radius to an area encompassed by the splitter radius. The splitter radius is defined as a radial distance between the axial centerline and an outer lip of a splitter of the core turbine engine. The tangency radius is defined as a radial distance between the axial centerline and a tangency point, which can be defined at an inner lip of the core inlet.

Abstract: A method to automatically shutdown engines of a twin-engine aircraft where each engine is controlled by a control unit (4,5) and an interface device (6) coordinates the control units, the interface device having first and second operating modes, wherein the switching between modes is based on the airspeed and altitude of the aircraft; wherein in the first operating mode, the automatic shutdown can take place only on the first of the two engines (2,3) which exhibits an operational anomaly, and in the second operating mode, typically implemented during a cruise phase, the automatic shutdown will be able to be implemented on a first and then on a second engine (2,3) if the second engine exhibits an operational anomaly more severe than the one exhibited by the first engine.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine engine includes generating a flow of combustion products from a gas turbine generator that has a gas generator axis of rotation. A duct is oriented in a first position to direct the flow of combustion products that have passed over at least one gas generator turbine rotor through a fan drive turbine in response to a first desired flight condition. An axis of rotation of the fan drive turbine is transverse to a gas generator axis of rotation. The duct is oriented in a second position to direct the flow of combustion products that have passed over at least one gas generator turbine rotor through an augmentor section in response to a second desired flight condition.

Abstract: A method of thrust reversal operation according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, permitting an increase in engine power when at least one criterion is not met and a thrust reverser is deployed, and denying the increase in engine power when the at least one criterion is met. A system for thrust reversal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spoolie manifold including two or more spaced apart caps including outlets and one pair of caps connected together in flow communication by a jumper tube assembly. Jumper tube assembly including a jumper tube having first and second spoolies attached to opposite ends of the jumper tube. Ends may be welded into counterbores of the spoolies having spherical spoolie ends press-fitted into first and second sleeves in bores in pair of the caps and sleeves retained in bores with retainer clips. A duct connected in flow communication to an inlet of one of the caps. Spoolie manifold may include three spaced apart caps including a distributor cap between two port caps connected in flow communication to distributor cap by jumper tube assembly. Cap outlets may be feed strut ports in casing of turbine frame including hub spaced inwardly from casing and having spaced apart hollow struts with strut ports.

Abstract: In a featured embodiment, a gas turbine engine has a first compressor rotor driven by a first turbine rotor, and a second compressor rotor driven by a second turbine rotor. The second compressor rotor is upstream of the first compressor rotor and the first turbine rotor is upstream of the second turbine rotor. An air mixing system taps air from a location upstream of the first compressor rotor for delivery to an environmental control system. The air mixing system receives air from a first air source and a second air source. The first air source includes air at a first pressure upstream of the first compressor rotor. The second air source includes air at a lower second pressure. At least one valve controls a mixture of air from the first and second sources to achieve a predetermined pressure for the environmental control system.

Abstract: An exemplary turbomachine exhaust flow diverting assembly includes an outer flow diverter distributed about a rotational axis of a turbomachine. The outer flow diverter moveable between a first position and a second position. The outer flow diverter in the first position permits more flow through a main bypass flow passage and less flow through a third stream bypass flow passage. The outer flow diverter in the second position permits more flow through the third stream bypass flow passage and less flow through the main bypass flow passage.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an engine of an aircraft. The engine may include a first fan configured to output a first air flow, a second fan configured to receive a first portion of the first air flow and output a second air flow, a core configured to receive a first portion of the second air flow and generate a first stream, and at least one valve configured to assume one of at least three states in association with a generation of a second stream and a third stream based on at least one of the first air flow and the second air flow.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes first and second turbine engines mounted within a fuselage of the aircraft. The first turbine engine includes a first engine core that drives a first propulsor disposed about a first propulsor axis. The second turbine engine includes a second engine core and a second propulsor disposed about a second propulsor axis parallel to the first propulsor axis. The first engine core and the second engine core are mounted at an angle relative to corresponding ones of the first and second propulsor axes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an auxiliary airflow control system to provide selective communication of a portion of a second stream from a second stream flow path into a third stream flow path, the auxiliary airflow control system in communication with a high temperature flow sourced from the turbine section.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a bypass flow passage that has an inlet and defines a bypass ratio in a range of approximately 8.5 to 13.5. A fan is arranged within the bypass flow passage. A first turbine is a 5-stage turbine and is coupled with a first shaft, which is coupled with the fan. A first compressor is coupled with the first shaft and is a 3-stage compressor. A second turbine is coupled with a second shaft and is a 2-stage turbine. The fan includes a row of fan blades that extend from a hub. The row includes a number (N) of the fan blades, a solidity value (R) at tips of the fab blades, and a ratio of N/R that is from 14 to 16.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed which includes a bypass passage that in some embodiments are capable of being configured to act as a resonance space. The resonance space can be used to attenuate/accentuate/etc a noise produced elsewhere. The bypass passage can be configured in a number of ways to form the resonance space. For example, the space can have any variety of geometries, configurations, etc. In one non-limiting form the resonance space can attenuate a noise forward of the bypass duct. In another non-limiting form the resonance space can attenuate a noise aft of the bypass duct. Any number of variations is possible.

Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine may include a plurality of flap trains in the exhaust stream of the gas turbine engine. The flap trains are operable to selectively control three separate flow paths of gas that traverse the engine. A first stream of is the core airflow. The second stream of air is peeled off of the first stream to form a low pressure fan bypass air stream. The third stream of air traverses along the engine casing and is passed over a flap assembly to aid in cooling. The flaps are operable converge/diverge to control the multiple streams of air.

Abstract: A method to reduce aerodynamic drag of a engine exhaust/engine nozzle includes collecting data that is indicative of an instant flight condition, entering the data into a decision algorithm that, based on the data, outputs at least first and second drag control parameters corresponding, respectively, to an angle of one or more variable area turbines of a turbine engine and a position of a variable area exhaust nozzle of the turbine engine, and adjusting the angle of the one or more variable area turbines and the position of the variable area exhaust nozzle according to, respectively, the first and second drag control parameters to reduce aerodynamic drag of an engine exhaust/engine nozzle of the turbine engine.

Abstract: A reaction propulsion device in which a first feed circuit for feeding a main thruster with a first propellant includes a branch connection downstream from a pump of a first turbopump, which branch connection passes through a first regenerative heat exchanger and a turbine of a first turbopump, and in which a second feed circuit for feeding the main thruster with a second propellant includes, downstream from a pump of a second turbopump, a branch-off passing through a second regenerative heat exchanger and a turbine of the second turbopump. At least one secondary thruster is connected downstream from the turbines of the first and second turbopumps.

Abstract: An aeroengine control device including a mount and having pivotally mounted thereon a code wheel together with a main lever and a secondary lever, both for turning the code wheel. Each lever is movable between a rest position and a maximum actuation position. The secondary lever is mounted to pivot on the main lever. Cam paths are mounted on the code wheel and on the mount in such a manner that the main lever can move the code wheel when the main lever is moved while the secondary lever is in the rest position. The secondary lever can move the code wheel when the secondary lever is moved while the main lever is in the rest position, with movement of either lever being prevented when the other lever is clearly away from its rest position.

Abstract: A gas generator has at least one compressor rotor, at least one gas generator turbine rotor and a combustion section. A fan drive turbine is positioned downstream of a path of the products of combustion having passed over the at least one gas generator turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine drives a shaft and the shaft engages gears to drive at least three fan rotors.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a bleed air system fault, where the method includes receiving a sensor signal from the at least one of the bleed air system sensor to define a sensor output, comparing the sensor output to a reference value, and diagnosing a fault in the bleed air system based on the comparison.

Abstract: The subject application involves a method of controlling operation of a gas turbine. The method includes determining a first temperature associated with a portion of the gas turbine during operation of said gas turbine, and sensing an operational parameter of the gas turbine during operation of the gas turbine. An ambient pressure in an ambient environment of the gas turbine is also sensed, and the operational parameter corrected using the ambient pressure sensed in the ambient environment of the gas turbine to establish a corrected operational parameter. A threshold temperature is determined based at least in part on the corrected operational parameter, and a backup routine is initiated to limit operation of the gas turbine when the temperature associated with the gas turbine is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustor section, a fan section forward of the combustor section, a low pressure turbine section along the combustor section, and an intercooling turbine section aft of the fan section and forward of the combustor section. The intercooling turbine section includes upstream and downstream intercooling turbine variable vanes. The intercooling turbine section is situated in an intermediate flow path that is inboard of an outer bypass flow path. The intermediate flow path splits downstream from the intercooling turbine section to a second stream bypass flow path and a core flow path. The second stream bypass flow path is inboard of the outer bypass flow path and extends to an exhaust nozzle. The exhaust nozzle is located aft of the low pressure turbine section and inboard of the outer bypass flow path.

Abstract: A separate propulsion unit incorporating a free turbine and a fan receives gases from a plurality of core engines. The core engines each include a compressor, a turbine and a combustion section. The core engines in combination pass gases across the free turbine. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The jet (40) has an air-fuel combustion chamber (42) and a plurality of rocket engines (11) arranged upstream from the combustion chamber (42), each rocket engine having its own combustion chamber with the wall thereof being cooled by lateral injection of fuel through said wall.

Abstract: A hybrid aerodynamic thrust system as a prime mover for aircraft or other high-speed vehicles. An arrangement of dual thrust resources to alternately accommodate low and high airspeed regimes. Electromotive force is used in lieu of hot section power turbines to achieve engine air compression or alternately perform thrust work at low velocities.

Abstract: A high efficiency power plant for a UAV with a high pressure ratio gas turbine engine used for low power operation such as loiter speed and a low pressure ratio gas turbine engine used for high power operation. A power turbine receives hot gas flows from the two engines to drive an output shaft. At low power operation, only the high pressure ratio engine is operated. At high power operation, both engines are operated where the exhaust from the high pressure ratio engine is used to drive a turbine of the low pressure ratio engine. A compressor of the low pressure ratio engine supplies compressed air to a combustor that produces a hot gas stream that is passed through the power turbine.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for combining systems of an upper stage space launch vehicle for enhancing the operation of the space vehicle. Hydrogen and oxygen already on board as propellant for the upper stage rockets is also used for other upper stage functions to include propellant tank pressurization, attitude control, vehicle settling, and electrical requirements. Specifically, gases from the propellant tanks, instead of being dumped overboard, are used as fuel and oxidizer to power an internal combustion engine that produces mechanical power for driving other elements including a starter/generator for generation of electrical current, mechanical power for fluid pumps, and other uses. The exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is also used directly in one or more vehicle settling thrusters. Accumulators which store the waste ullage gases are pressurized and provide pressurization control for the propellant tanks.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fairing and an air intake that includes an air inlet embedded within the fairing for supplying free stream atmospheric air to a gas generator.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a propulsor including a fan and a power turbine, an engine core aerodynamically connected to the propulsor by a transition duct, and a bypass valve in the transition duct that allows for air from the engine core to bypass the power turbine.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a propulsion unit mounted to rotate about a first axis, and a core engine mounted to rotate about a second axis, and wherein the first and second axes are non-parallel. A gas turbine engine includes a propulsion unit driven by a free turbine which is adjacent to the propulsion unit and an associated fan, and having a gas generator core engine including a compressor, combustor and turbine section. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique of enlarging a stable operating range of an intake in accordance with an operating condition of an engine without using a complicated control system so that a wide operating range of the engine can be covered. In an operation stabilization method for a supersonic intake according to the present invention, an enlarged duct between a cowl and a ramp of the intake is divided by a splitter plate such that an opening angle of the enlarged duct decreases. Further, in the operation stabilization method for a supersonic intake according to the present invention, when the duct is divided by the splitter plate, the splitter plate is disposed such that, from among a cowl side duct and a ramp side duct, cross-section variation in one duct, in which an effect of a flow is larger, is reduced within an allowable range of total pressure loss in the other duct.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a compressor, a fan for delivering air into the compressor and into a bypass duct, a combustion section and a turbine section. A control for the gas turbine engine is programmed to change a fueling level and position at least one effector that may be moved to unique positions in a coordinated fashion upon receipt of a command to change thrust. The thrust provided by the engine is changed without a reduction in an airflow stability margin compared to a thrust change commanded only by a fueling change. Some aspects of the positioning are transitory.

Abstract: A fan control apparatus includes a fan, two engine+compressor combinations, two air supply systems, and an FCC. When an abnormality occurs in one of the air supply systems and one of the engine+compressor combinations, the FCC maintains the flow rate of the normally operating air supply system and then increases the flow rate. As a result, the normally operating drive source is prevented from overloading. In another embodiment, a fan control apparatus includes a fan, an air source, two air supply systems, and a bypass channel. The air is caused to flow through the bypass channel when an abnormality occurs in one of the air supply systems. As a result, the time that elapses till the fluid can be supplied at a necessary flow rate is shortened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a regenerative superheater system for an ejector ramjet engine. The invention includes a superheater in thermal communication with the combustion chamber of the ramjet engine. The superheater transfers thermal energy from combustion chamber to an ejectant which is then redirected upstream to the ramjet ejector. In one embodiment of the invention the temperature of the ejectant is modulated by a variable geometry cooler that controls the amount of thermal energy removed from the superheater system by ambient air. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the ejectant is modulated by a variable geometry superheater that controls the amount of thermal energy added to the superheater system through combustion gas.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine frames are disclosed. An example gas turbine engine frame may include a generally annular outer casing disposed coaxially about a hub; a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart struts joined to the hub and the outer casing, individual struts extending radially outwardly from the hub to the outer casing; and a stiffening rail monolithically formed with the outer casing circumferentially between two of the struts. The stiffening rail may extend radially inward beyond the inner surface of the outer casing between the struts.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique variable cycle gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique adaptive fan system for a variable cycle turbofan engine having at least one turbine. Another embodiment is a unique method for operating a variable cycle gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and related systems.

Abstract: A two-spool turbojet built up of major bladed components first developped for unrelated turbofan engine types. The high pressure (“HP”) spool comes from a turbofan which powered a large airliner carrying 300 or more passengers across a continent or an ocean. The low pressure (“LP”) compressor is the fan from a military aircraft's engine or a smaller airliner turbofan, or both. The object is that all the LP compressor output goes into the HP compressor, making a turbojet from existing turbofan components. This saves development costs, and creates an engine for propelling a large aircraft at supersonic speeds more efficiently than by an afterburning turbofan. In the preferred embodiment, the number of stages in the HP spool is halved, saving weight for the addition of a remote fan (known elsewhere) which doubles the air mass flow. That increases propulsive efficiency during subsonic cruise.

Abstract: A number of engines usable alone or in combination are taught herein. One engine comprises a housing, a drive shaft mounted within the housing, a first impeller and a second impeller mounted on the drive shaft for movement, and a combustion mediating hub between the second impeller and the first impeller and mounted for movement in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction with respect to the drive shaft, where the hub includes an annular plate, a first plurality of blades mounted on a first surface of the annular plate and facing the second impeller and a second plurality of blades mounted on a second, opposing surface of annular plate and facing the first impeller. An ignition source and a fuel source extend through the housing into an area between an outer peripheral wall of the annular plate and an inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: An aircraft propulsion unit includes a gas-turbine core engine 10 having at least one compressor, one combustion chamber and one turbine driving a main shaft 11. The main shaft 11 of the gas-turbine core engine 10 is operationally connected to at least two separate fans 6-9 via a mechanical drive connection, each of them being arranged beside the gas-turbine core engine 10.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.