Abstract: A rear fan case for a gas turbine engine includes a main body and a discrete joining arrangement mounted on the outside of the main body towards its rear end. The joining arrangement provides a substantially radial groove around the main body, which can receive a joining blade on a thrust reverser unit to form a joint between the rear fan case and the thrust reverser unit. The joining arrangement may be made of metal while the main body is made of composite material. Features may be provided to ensure proper alignment and location of the joining arrangement.

Abstract: A turbofan engine control system and method includes a core nacelle housing (12), a compressor and a turbine. A turbofan is arranged upstream from the core nacelle and is surrounded by a fan nacelle (34). A bypass flow path (39) is arranged downstream from the turbofan between the core and fan nacelles. The bypass flow path includes a nozzle exit area (40). A controller (50) detects at least one of a take-off condition and a landing condition. The controller changes effectively the nozzle exit area to achieve a thrust vector in response to the take-off and landing conditions.

Abstract: Aircraft systems having thrust reversers with support members are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes a thrust reverser having a nozzle inner wall, a nozzle outer wall radially outward of the inner wall, and a blocker door carried by the outer wall. The blocker door is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The thrust reverser further includes a support member extending between a forward section of a nozzle inner wall and a forward section of the nozzle outer wall. The support member is positioned such that at least a portion of the support member is forward of the blocker door when the blocker door is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A swept fan ramp for a pivot door thrust reverser includes a cylindrical unit with an elliptical flared portion, a side portion, and a rectangular flared portion. The elliptical flared portion is operable to reduce drag on airflow in a reverse direction and is coupled to the top center and bottom center of the circumference of the cylindrical unit. The side portion is operable to reduce side spillage airflow and is coupled to the central left side and central right side of the aft circumference of the cylindrical unit. The rectangular flared portion is operable to promote separation of airflow into an upper airflow path and a lower airflow path, is coupled with the aft circumference of the cylindrical unit, and is connected to the elliptical flared portion and the side portion.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process whose purpose is to reduce, cancel or reverse the thrust generated by at least one air flow exiting from a propulsion unit of an aircraft by deflecting at least a portion of the flow that is able to assist the thrust, characterized in that it consists in injecting at the level of the propulsion unit a fluid called a thrust reversal fluid to deflect by an entrainment effect, from the inside of the nacelle toward the outside of the nacelle, at least a portion of the flow that is able to assist the thrust.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a gas turbine engine includes nozzle doors coupled with a fan nacelle wherein the nozzle doors move in unison between a plurality of positions to influence a bypass airflow through a fan bypass passage. A linkage connects the nozzle doors and an actuator. A louver section coupled with the linkage moves in unison with the nozzle doors between a plurality of louver positions to direct a portion of the bypass airflow in a selected direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thrust reverser for the nacelle of a turbojet engine comprising, on the one hand, means (11) for deflecting at least some of an air flow of the turbojet engine and, on the other hand, at least one hood (10) able to move translationally in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle and able to switch alternately from a closed position in which it ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and covers the deflection means, and an open position in which it opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers the deflection means, characterized in that the moving hood comprises at least one outer part (10a) having a downstream extension forming a nozzle and at least one internal part (10b) each of which parts is mounted such that it is translationally mobile and is connected to at least one actuating means able to allow it to be moved, each independently of the other, or together, in a substantially longitudinal direction of the nacelle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for opening a mobile cowl (2) actuated by a motor (7) and equipping a turbojet thrust reverser, characterized in that it comprises, at the start of the opening phase, a bridling step (103) whereby the speed of the mobile cowl is maintained lower or equal to a predetermined threshold speed.

Abstract: Aircraft systems having thrust reversers with locking assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes a fan casing and a thrust reverser attached to the fan casing. The fan casing includes a first member. The thrust reverser includes a nozzle inner wall, a second member proximate to the nozzle inner wall for engaging with the first member, and a locking member positioned proximate to the first member. The locking member is movable between (a) a first position in which the first member is positioned between the locking member and the second member such that the locking member inhibits disengagement of the first and second members, and (b) a second position in which the locking member does not inhibit disengagement of the first and second members. The first member can be a V-groove, and the second member can be a V-blade.

Abstract: A thrust reverser for a jet engine comprises a translating wall section moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The translating wall section is adjacent an annular fan duct wall or other fixed portion of the jet engine when in the stowed position and is separated from the annular fan duct wall when in the deployed position, thereby creating an aperture through which a fluid stream passes. A fluid flow reverser element directs the fluid stream in a direction generally forward relative to the jet engine when the translating wall section is in the deployed position. The fluid flow reverser element extends only partially into the fluid stream such that only a first portion of fluid of the fluid stream engages the fluid flow reverser element. A second portion of the fluid stream is entrained in the first portion and is thereby directed forward relative to the jet engine.

Abstract: A thrust reverser door is provided, in one configuration, with a plurality of peripherally-disposed frames circumferentially spaced apart from one another and projecting radially inwardly on an interior side of the door to thereby provide a channel for redirecting thrust.

Abstract: The thrust reverser is used with an aircraft gas turbine engine and includes upper and lower doors pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When deployed, the doors redirect a portion of the efflux to generate a nose-down pitching moment on an aircraft to improve handling during thrust reversing on a runway.

Abstract: A pivot arrangement for a thrust reverser door of a gas turbine engine, the pivot fitting having a base and a shaft projecting from a main side of the base. The shaft receives a preferably curved pivot arm of the door to provide a low profile arrangement which improves performance when the doors are stowed.

Abstract: A thrust reverser door provides in one aspect a separation of structural and aerodynamic functions through the provision of individual structures. In some embodiments, an aerodynamic element is adjustable in position, while in other embodiments, the relative positions are fixed. An exemplary aerodynamic element extends radially into the reverser flow to redirect the flow away from the door surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nacelle for bypass engine with a high bypass ratio comprising an interior flow channel for a secondary flow generated by the bypass engine and having an external structure provided with a reverse thrust device capable of alternately shifting from a closed position in which it enables circulation of the direct-jet secondary flow inside the interior channel, to an open position in which it uncovers an opening in the external structure so as to enable reorientation of the secondary flow in an angled flow via activation of the reverse thrust means; in open position, the reverse thrust device partially blocks the interior channel so as to provide a leakage section therein, enabling circulation of a controlled leakage flow, said nacelle being characterized in that, when the thrust reversal device is in open position and has an angled-jet reversal section and a leakage section through the interior channel the sum of which is substantially equal to a direct-jet secondary flow discharge sec

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a core engine surrounded by a core casing, at least one C-duct having radially inner and outer walls and a thrust reverser unit; the engine is mounted to an aircraft pylon via at least one thrust member attached to the core engine; the thrust reverser unit is mounted within the outer wall of the C-duct; the C-duct is secured to the core casing via a vee-groove attachment comprising vee-groove and vee-blade parts, the attachment is arranged to transfer loads between the thrust reverser unit and the pylon; wherein one cooperating part of the attachment is mounted to a torsion box mounted on the inner wall of the C-duct.

Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system is provided that includes a synchronization system that synchronizes the actuation of at least two actuators coupled to at least two power drive units. The synchronization system includes a first synchronization shaft coupling the first power drive unit to the second power drive unit and a second synchronization shaft coupling the first power drive unit to the second power drive unit. The at least two actuators are adapted to receive a drive force and configured, in response to receipt of the drive force, to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The synchronization system is configured to transfer power between the first power drive unit and the second power drive unit, thereby eliminating a mismatch in power and provide uniform deployment of the at least two actuators.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a core engine surrounded by a core casing, at least one C-duct having radially inner and outer walls and a thrust reverser unit; the engine is mounted to an aircraft pylon via at least one thrust member attached to the core engine; the thrust reverser unit is mounted within the outer wall of the C-duct; the C-duct is secured to the core casing via a vee-groove attachment comprising vee-groove and vee-blade parts, the attachment is arranged to transfer loads between the thrust reverser unit and the pylon; wherein one cooperating part of the attachment is mounted to a torsion box mounted on the inner wall of the C-duct.

Abstract: In a bypass turbomachine, at least one air takeoff orifice is provided in the primary channel, said orifice leading to an air takeoff pipe housed inside an air inlet sleeve of the nacelle. The air takeoff pipe opens out in the vicinity of the pylon into two air diffusion pipes each secured to a respective maintenance cover, each air diffusion pipe opening out into an air injection pipe secured to a thrust reverser cover and itself opening out to the outside of the nacelle via the trailing edge thereof, each air injection pipe being suitable for uncoupling from the corresponding air diffusion pipe when the corresponding thrust reverser cover slides downstream.

Abstract: A translating cowl composed of two sub-structures forms the thrust reverser for a turbofan engine. The two sub-structures form the rear part of a nacelle, are translatable, and have operative and inoperative modes of operation. The operative mode is used for direct or reverse thrust operation of the engine and the inoperative mode is used for access to the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising gratings, which are used to form a reverse flow from a jet engine thrust flow. The inventive device comprises a plurality of flow diverter gratings which are disposed side-by-side at the outer edge of an annular thrust flow circulation channel. Each of the gratings comprises a plurality of intersecting inner transverse blades and inner longitudinal blades, two adjacent gratings being separated by a side clearance which generates a leakage flow. The device also comprises means of re-directing the aforementioned leakage flow in a direction such as to increase the effectiveness of the reverse flow, said re-direction means comprising aerodynamic appendages which are mounted to at least one outer longitudinal edge of each grating.

Abstract: The braking method for an aircraft propelled by at least one ducted fan jet engine, the latter comprising a fan, a jet engine core in which the primary flow circulates, a secondary flow exhaust nozzle, encased in a nacelle, comprises the step, in low-power operation, of unloading at least part of the secondary flow so as to reduce the residual thrust of the jet engine without producing any thrust. With the method of the invention, aircraft braking can be achieved without any thrust reverser device using the braking force generated by the drag of the jet engine or engines completed by reduction of residual thrust by unloading the secondary flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nacelle (1) of a turbojet engine (4), which nacelle is intended to be attached to a structure (2) of an aeroplane by a connecting pylori (3) and comprises at least one moving part (9?, 9?) above to be opened in order to provide access to the interior of the nacelle, characterized in that the said moving part is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (25) directed along a line more or less perpendicular to the plane of the structure of the aeroplane to which the nacelle is attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for opening or closing a turbojet engine thrust reverser (1) by using at least one mobile cowl (2) displaceable by means of at least one electric motor (7) consisting in analysing at least one parameter representative for a pressure in the turbojet engine jet and in carrying out an operating sequence in which the operating parameters of the electric motor (7) are adjusted to a situation.

Abstract: A transcowl for a gas turbine engine thrust reverser includes an arcuate outer wall; an arcuate inner wall; and an arcuate baffle positioned between the inner and outer walls at a forward end of the transcowl. The baffle has an arcuate cross-sectional shape which defines a forward-facing interior area. An arcuate forward seal is carried at a forward end of the inner wall. The forward seal includes a plurality of axially-extending, spaced-apart arcuate seal teeth which collectively define a labyrinth seal.

Abstract: A by-pass turbojet including a thrust reverser. The thrust reverse comprises deflector means for deflecting all or part of the primary stream gas in such a manner that the deflected primary stream gas encounters the secondary stream, thereby reducing the injection speed of the secondary stream in an aft direction, and thus generating the thrust-reversal effect. The secondary stream escapes from the aft end of the nacelle. In the thrust-reversal position, the deflector means are inscribed radially substantially within the section of the primary nozzle cowl at the aft end of the nacelle. Such a thrust reverser is particularly simple in design, inexpensive, and makes it possible to avoid having moving parts present on the outside portion of the nacelle, thus simplifying the design of the turbojet.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system drive shaft assembly is provided that includes a first shaft and a barrel. The first shaft has an end section and comprises an age-hardenable martinsitic steel alloy material having fracture toughness, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and a tensile strength of at least about 285 ksi during an impact rotational speed of at least about 14,000 rpm. The barrel has a first end, a second end, and a channel formed therethrough. The first end has the first shaft end section disposed therein. The barrel comprises steel alloy material that is different than the first shaft material, has an elongation of at least about 12% in a hardened condition, and is compatible to be welded to the first shaft material.

Abstract: A system for moving an aircraft thrust reverser component includes a power drive unit, a thrust reverser actuator assembly, and a tertiary lock system. The power drive unit is operable to rotate and supply a rotational drive force. The thrust reverser actuator assembly receives the rotational drive force from the power drive unit and moves the thrust reverser component between a stowed position and a deployed position. The tertiary lock system selectively engages and disengages the thrust reverser component and includes a tertiary lock power unit, an electromechanical tertiary lock assembly, and a voltage limiting circuit. The voltage limiting circuit limits the voltage magnitude of a control signal supplied to the tertiary lock assembly to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for opening a mobile cowl actuated by a motor and equipping a turbojet thrust reverser that includes at the start of the opening phase, a bridling step whereby the speed of the mobile cowl is maintained lower or equal to a predetermined threshold speed.

Abstract: A method of operating an exhaust nozzle assembly includes translating a translatable structure between a plurality of operational positions to open and close a flow diverting port extending in an exhaust duct. The longitudinal position of a throat constriction varies with translation of the translatable structure. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the exhaust duct at the throat constriction may vary with translation of the translatable structure. An exemplary exhaust nozzle is operable in-flight for providing at least partial reverse thrust to at least partly control the velocity of an aircraft. An exemplary exhaust nozzle is operable on the ground to spoil ground idle thrust.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a locking device (20) operable to prevent accidental deployment of a pivot door thrust reverser. The locking device (20) generally comprises a pin lock receiver (32) operable to fixedly couple with a pivot door (18), a housing (34) operable to be coupled with a nacelle (14), and a piston (36) having a pin lock (38). The piston (36) is at least partially positioned within the housing (34) and is operable to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position the pin lock (38) is operable to mate with the pin lock receiver (32) and in the unlocked position the pin lock (38) is detached from the pin lock receiver (32) to allow deployment of the pivot door (18). Such a configuration allows pivot door thrust reversers to be locked without requiring the use of heavy and cumbersome parts.

Abstract: The arrangement comprises a fan by-pass duct located within the nacelle and having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is generally oriented substantially radially and at an intermediary location along the nacelle. The nacelle has an aft section with an initially convex and substantially outwardly extending surface adjacent to the outlet of the fan by-pass duct. The surface of the aft section decreases in curvature and becomes concave towards a rear end of the engine.

Abstract: A method for operating a turbofan engine assembly is provided. The turbofan engine assembly includes a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine, a nacelle positioned radially outward from the core cowl, a fan nozzle duct having an area defined between the core cowl and a portion of the nacelle, a first cowl and a second cowl that define a portion of the nacelle wherein the second cowl is repositionable with respect to the first cowl, and a thrust reverser assembly wherein the second cowl surrounds the thrust reverser assembly. The method includes varying an operating speed of the fan assembly from a first operating speed to a second operating speed. The method further includes selectively positioning the second cowl between a first operational position and a second operational position to vary the area of the fan nozzle duct to facilitate improving engine efficiency at the second operating speed.

Abstract: A turbojet thrust reverser includes two doors each displaceable between an open position and a closed position of the reverser by at least one respective control actuator. Two electric motors drive the control actuators for the doors; each motor being controlled by an electronic control unit connected to a full authority digital engine control. Two servo-control devices control the displacement of the doors as a function of determined position references. The servo-control devices enable the doors to be displaced synchronously as a function of any variation in the forces exerted on the reverser and as a function of any force difference between the two doors.

Abstract: A thrust reverser structure for a gas turbine engine, the structure comprising an outer structure and an inner structure, the structure is capable of being secured in a closed position via outer fastening members on the outer structure, characterised in that the structure is capable of being further secured on the inner structure via a securing device having a securing position and first and second release arrangements, each release arrangement being operable to release the securing device to a non-securing position.

Abstract: The thrust reverser comprises a first reverser door and a second reverser door asymmetrically pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, one having a pivot axis closer to the central axis than the other.

Abstract: An aircraft structure includes a duct having an inlet for fluid flow into the duct and a first outlet for fluid flow out of the duct. The duct is configured to guide fluid flow out of the duct through the first outlet in an at least partially reversed direction relative to fluid flow into the duct to thereby reverse thrust.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine assembly for an aircraft that includes a wing, wherein the gas turbine engine includes a core gas turbine engine and a fan coupled to the core gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine assembly extends upstream from the wing and includes a first cowl and a second cowl that is repositionable with respect to the first cowl. The method includes selectively positioning the second cowl in a first operational position such that airflow is channeled from the gas turbine engine across a surface of the wing to facilitate increasing lift, and selectively positioning the second cowl in a second operational position such that the airflow is channeled from the gas turbine engine to effect reverse thrust.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a bypass duct defined radially outwardly by a nacelle and radially inwardly by a core engine casing. The nacelle comprises a thrust reverser unit having at least one blocker door rotatably attached to a static part and slidably connected to a translating part. The translating part is arranged to move between a stowed position and a deployed position and in the deployed position the blocker door spans the bypass duct. In the stowed position the blocker door is stowed inside the translating part and does not form part of an airwash surface of the bypass duct.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for sealing an interface between a shaft and a bore formed in a firewall, where the shaft has an annular foot extending radially outward therefrom and a flowpath extending therethrough in fluid communication with the bore. The assembly includes a flexible annular seal, a ring, and a plurality of retainers.

Abstract: A turbojet thrust reverser has two doors that are displaceable between a reverser open position and a reverser closed position, each door being controlled by a respective electronic control unit connected to a FADEC, and each door having a respective locking device for locking the position of the door associated therewith. Each locking device can be unlocked solely on receiving orders that come simultaneously from both electronic control units.

Abstract: Thrust reversers having latching mechanisms and methods for manufacturing such thrust reversers are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a thrust reverser having a first inner panel and a second inner panel opposite the first inner panel. The first and second inner panels have an inner surface and an upper portion. The system further includes a catch projecting inwardly from the inner surface and the upper portion of the first inner panel, and a latch projecting inwardly from the inner surface and the upper portion of the second inner panel. The latch is positioned to selectively interlock with the catch to inhibit relative movement between the first and second inner panels.

Abstract: Each manual control unit for a moving part of a thrust reverser is associated with a maintenance plate that is pivotable between at least two positions: a first or “normal operation” position in which said plate prevents the manual control unit with which it is associated from being driven manually, while allowing it to be driven electrically; and a second or “maintenance” position in which said plate allows the manual control unit with which it is associated to be driven manually while preventing it from being driven electrically.

Abstract: A thrust reverser includes reverser doors pivotally mounted in a nacelle. Each door includes a latch pin mounted at a distal end thereof. A complementary latch hook is pivotally mounted in the nacelle for engagement with the pin to latch closed the reverser door. A rotary retainer adjoins the hook for blocking rotation of the hook to latch closed the door, and selectively unblock rotation of the hook to permit the pin to disengage the hook.

Abstract: A turbofan nacelle includes forward and aft cowls adjoining at a joint, and including an exhaust duct having a main outlet for discharging exhaust. A variable nozzle surrounds the exhaust duct and includes a secondary outlet around the main outlet. A thrust reverser bridges the forward and aft cowls upstream from the variable nozzle. The variable nozzle is inductively powered and controlled across the closed joint, and is uncoupled inductively from the forward cowl when the joint is open.

Abstract: A thrust reverser having an engine cowl, a nacelle, a blocker door, a nacelle door and a cascade vane. The engine cowl has a hollow body that shrouds a jet engine and which includes a cowl opening. The nacelle surrounds the engine cowl and includes a nacelle opening that is positioned outwardly of the cowl opening. The blocker door is associated with the engine cowl and movable between a first position, wherein the blocker door closes the cowl opening, and a second position, wherein the blocker door is disposed in the propulsive air flow and substantially clears the cowl opening. The nacelle door is associated with the nacelle and movable between a forward position, which substantially closes the nacelle opening, and a rearward position, which substantially clears the nacelle opening. The cascade vane is disposed between the engine cowl and the nacelle and positioned between the cowl and nacelle openings.

Abstract: An external jet nozzle mixer includes identically formed lobes. The external mixer works with the internal mixer further to mix the engine internal bypass flow with the internal jet engine core flow to level the disparate flow velocities, to reduce the peak velocities from the jet engine core and increase the lower bypass velocities of the engine internal bypass flow, and thereby reduce noise. The internal lobe contours act as lifting flutes, causing mixing of the primary hot and cold flows to mix before exiting the nozzle. The external lobe contours act as venturi chutes, accelerating the cooler ambient secondary air flow. The lobes thus act collectively as an injector to force the cooler ambient secondary flow into the previously mixed primary flow as it exits the nozzle. Also obtained is an increased thrust efficiency and a consequently decreased fuel consumption and engine emissions.

Abstract: Some but not all engines of an aircraft are provided with thrust reversers. A safety device disables, at least from the position corresponding to idling, the action of the throttles corresponding to the engines devoid of thrust reversers when the thrust reversers are controlled to deployment.

Abstract: A target type thrust reverser is provided for reversing the thrust of jet engines, particularly on aircraft. The thrust reverser preferably has a plurality of doors that occupy a stowed position about the nozzle of the jet engine until deployed. In the stowed position, the doors are out of the exhaust stream of the jet engine. The doors are mounted to pivot joints on the rear portions of the doors. To deploy the thrust reverser, actuators connected to the pivot joints cause the pivot joints to translate linearly aft, and link rods attached to the forward portions of the doors cause the doors to pivot about the sliding pivot joints. In this manner, the distance between the doors and the engine exhaust nozzle is minimized during deployment, which enables significant weight savings due to reduced loads and fewer parts. A novel lock is also provided for simultaneously locking the thrust reverser doors and the actuators.

Abstract: A manual release mechanism for a thrust reverser actuation system electromechanical brake includes a first release plate, a second release plate, at least two balls, and a handle. The first and second release plates each have grooves formed therein that have a cam surface located at a predetermined angle. The release plates face one another such that the grooves in each plate are substantially aligned, and the balls are each positioned in the aligned grooves. The first release plate is configured to rotate, and the second release plate is configured to translate. The handle is coupled to the first release plate to allow manual rotation thereof. In response to rotation of the first release plate, the second release plate will translate and disengage the electromechanical brake.