Abstract: Rocket control is a difficult and unpredictable task in environments with inclement weather. As a result, launch missions are often strictly limited based on weather conditions. The present invention provides a method for controlling a rocket to account for environmental uncertainties and maintain optimal mission performance. First, sensors collect data about the rocket's environment, passing the information to storage in the rocket's database. Second, the rocket's processor manipulates the database with an optimization algorithm producing instructions. Third, the instructions command the rocket's control system for an optimal end-to-end trajectory and to enable the rocket to perform a safe landing.

Abstract: A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine, including: a first airfoil including leading and trailing edges joined by spaced apart pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface extending from an inner platform in a radial direction to an outer platform, wherein a portion of the exterior airfoil surface of the first airfoil is formed in conformance with a set of Cartesian coordinates set forth in Table 1 as offset by corresponding values in Table 4, and wherein the values of Table 4 are offset from a point of origin that is a point where a radially outward surface of the inner platform meets a surface of a trailing edge of the inner platform and a surface of a mate face of the inner platform.

Abstract: A ducted fan assembly for generating thrust during edgewise forward flight. The ducted fan assembly includes a duct having an inlet with a leading portion and a diffuser with a trailing portion during the edgewise forward flight. A fan disposed within the duct is configured to rotate relative to the duct about a fan axis to generate an airflow through the duct from the inlet to the diffuser. An active flow control system includes a plurality of injectors including a first injector configured to inject pressurized air substantially tangential with the leading portion of the inlet and a second injector configured to inject pressurized air substantially tangential with the trailing portion of the diffuser such that when the injectors are injecting pressurized air, flow separation of the airflow at the leading portion of the inlet and the trailing portion of the diffuser is reduced.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: a plurality of engines; a flight control computer connected to the plurality of engines, the flight control computer being configured to: receive an operating parameter of a first engine of the plurality of engines; determine an engine output ramping rate for the first engine according to a difference between the operating parameter of the first engine and a nominal limit of the first engine; and increase the output of the first engine in response to detecting an outage of another engine of the plurality of engines, the output of the first engine being increased according to the engine output ramping rate.

Abstract: A fairing installed in a bypass duct defined between an outer casing and an inner casing around an axis of a turbofan engine to make compressed air bypass a low pressure compressor is comprised of a fore section elongated aftward from the inner casing at an inlet of the bypass duct and running along an internal periphery of the outer casing; and an aft section elongated aftward in succession to the fore section and curved in a direction getting away from the internal periphery so as to increase an area of a flow path toward an aft end of the aft section, the whole of the aft section being curved.

Abstract: A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor vane, has a decreased surface area over a portion of the airfoil chord length. The decreased surface area compressor vane operates in conjunction with a compressor blade having an increased surface area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas turbine engine control system includes an engine controller configured to control multiple parameters associated with operation of a gas turbine engine system. The gas turbine engine control system also includes multiple remote interface units communicatively coupled to the engine controller. The remote interface unit is configured to receive an input signal from the engine controller indicative of respective target values of at least one parameter, and the remote interface unit is configured to provide closed-loop control of the at least one parameter based on the input signal and feedback signals indicative of respective measured values of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: The multiple aircraft engine control system having a corresponding engine controller associated with each one of the engines, each one of the engine controllers having at least two independent channels, each one of the at least two independent channels having at least two communication buses, each one of the at least two communicating buses of each channel being connected to a respective one of the at least two communicating buses of each one of the other channels. The method can time-interweave originating data of the channels.

Abstract: In order to produce a space flight drive for propelling a spacecraft which can use the available fuel with great efficiency and which can transport heavy payloads to great heights, it is proposed that the space flight drive should comprise a fuel tank for holding a fuel, an oxidizer tank for holding an oxidizer, a combustion chamber device for the conversion of the fuel by the oxidizer, a propulsion nozzle device adjoining the combustion chamber device and a shroud device which surrounds the propulsion nozzle device annularly at least in sections for the production of an air sheath flow during a flight of the spacecraft through the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel control system comprises a metering valve operable to control the flow of fuel between a supply line and a delivery line, a spill valve operable to control fuel flow within the supply line, a pressure raising valve connected to the delivery line, and a control servo valve movable between a thrust control mode in which it modifies the control of the spill valve to reduce the fuel flow delivered via the metering valve and an outlet of the pressure raising valve, and a windmill relight position in which it modifies the control of the pressure raising valve to allow fuel delivery through the outlet of the pressure raising valve at a reduced system pressure.

Abstract: An engine propulsion system is configured to utilize bursts of media in order to create mechanical energy. The engine propulsion system includes at least one cannon, wherein each cannon is configured to displace the media and further includes a firing pin casing configured to accommodate a firing pin. The firing pin is configured to create the mechanical energy when moved thus allowing the media to exit the cannon.

Abstract: An engine propulsion system is configured to utilize bursts of media in order to create mechanical energy. The engine propulsion system includes at least one cannon, wherein each cannon is configured to displace the media and further includes a firing pin casing configured to accommodate a firing pin. The firing pin is configured to create the mechanical energy when moved thus allowing the media to exit the cannon.

Abstract: A rocket having a motor with a user adjustable thrust is provided. The rocket includes a main cylinder containing a rocket propellant, the propellant configured to generate gas during operation and one or more nozzles arranged to direct the gas in a first direction.

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: Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant gas pressure and vehicle thrust are provided. Propellant gas pressure and a vehicle inertial characteristic are sensed. Propellant gas pressure commands and vehicle thrust commands are generated. A propellant gas pressure error is determined based on the propellant gas pressure commands and the sensed propellant gas pressure, and vehicle thrust error is determined based on the vehicle thrust commands and the sensed vehicle inertial characteristic. Reaction control valves are moved between closed and full-open positions based on the determined propellant gas pressure error and on the determined vehicle thrust error. The system and method allow the reaction control valves to operate at variable frequencies or at fixed frequencies. The system and method also allows propellant pressure to be commanded to follow a predetermined pressure profile or commanded to vary “on-the-fly.

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter.

Abstract: Rockets, rocket motors, methods of controlling a rocket and methods of evaluating a rocket design are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of controlling a rocket may include measuring a combustion chamber pressure, calculating a logarithm of the measured combustion chamber pressure, and computing the difference between the logarithm of the measured combustion chamber pressure and the logarithm of a reference combustion chamber pressure value to generate an error signal. The method may further include filtering the error signal to generate a compensated signal in the logarithm domain, and exponentiating of the compensated signal in the logarithm domain to provide a compensated signal in the physical domain.

Abstract: When a FADEC detects an abnormality in any of engine+compressor combinations, a FCC controls the amount of air for driving the fan to a level that is lower than that before the abnormality has been detected, until a state is assumed in which the normally operating engine+compressor combination can supply the air at a flow rate necessary for a fan to generate a propulsion force that has been attained before the abnormality has been detected. As a result, the normally operating engine+compressor combination can be prevented from the occurrence of a surge and a resultant overload state. Therefore, when some drive sources from a plurality of drive sources fail, normally operating drive sources can be prevented from being in an overload state.

Abstract: A rocket thruster of this invention includes a nozzle and a valve assembly. The valve subassembly includes a pintle with a head portion, which has a truncated substantially conical surface region facing and concentric with converging and throat regions of the nozzle to provide a variable effective throat area therebetween. The truncated portion of the head portion has an outer edge defining a bleed passageway opening communicating with a primary bleed passage leading through the head portion to a bleed cavity located on an opposite side of the head portion. During activation of a rocket motor to which the rocket thruster is coupled, gases imparting a load on the head portion pass through the primary bleed passage to the opposite side of the head portion for counterbalancing loads acting on the head portion. A thrust control subassembly moves the pintle axially for changing the effective throat area.

Abstract: A flight control system for an aircraft receives a selected value of a first parameter, which is either the airspeed or inertial velocity of the aircraft. A primary feedback loop generates a primary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value and a measured value of the first parameter. A secondary feedback loop generates a secondary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value of the first parameter and a measured value of a second flight parameter, which is the other of the airspeed and inertial velocity. The primary and secondary error signals are summed to produce a velocity error signal, and the velocity error signal and an integrated value of the primary error signal are summed to produce an actuator command signal. The actuator command signal is then used for operating aircraft devices to control the first parameter to minimize the primary error signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle that includes a power supply source (113) for a system for actuating and controlling a thrust reverser device (121), and for a system for actuating and controlling a variable nozzle device (120), characterised in that the power supply can be switched between a first position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the thrust reverser device, and a second position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the variable nozzle device, wherein the switching is carried out under the action of a control output from a computer (103) capable of receiving a thrust reverser opening control (100).

Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant gas pressure and vehicle thrust are provided. Propellant gas pressure and a vehicle inertial characteristic are sensed. Propellant gas pressure commands and vehicle thrust commands are generated. A propellant gas pressure error is determined based on the propellant gas pressure commands and the sensed propellant gas pressure, and vehicle thrust error is determined based on the vehicle thrust commands and the sensed vehicle inertial characteristic. Reaction control valves are moved between closed and full-open positions based on the determined propellant gas pressure error and on the determined vehicle thrust error. The system and method allow the reaction control valves to operate at variable frequencies or at fixed frequencies. The system and method also allows propellant pressure to be commanded to follow a predetermined pressure profile or commanded to vary “on-the-fly.

Abstract: A fixed sized bell rocket nozzle is lined with a layer of combustible material that is ignited during launch ignition and burns to outgas into the rocket exhaust for spatially variably confining the exhaust and perfecting an effective variably sized altitude compensating exhaust nozzle that maximizes lift during the launch of a spacecraft into orbit.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, propellant gas pressure pulse shape, and propellant gas flow rate, rely on the position of a throttling valve. A throttling valve that is movable to a control position is disposed downstream of, and in fluid communication with, a solid propellant gas generator, and in parallel with a plurality of reaction control valves. The solid propellant in the solid propellant gas generator is ignited, to thereby generate propellant gas. The throttling valve is moved to a control position to attain a desired solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, and/or propellant gas pressure pulse shape.

Abstract: A method for reducing the nonsteady side loads acting on a nozzle of a rocket engine during a startup phase of said engine. The nozzle comprises a combustion chamber (1) where exhaust gases are generated, a divergent portion (3) in which a supersonic flow of said exhaust gases occurs, and a throat (2) connecting the combustion chamber to the divergent portion, which method comprises the positioning of a body of rounded shape (5) inside the divergent portion (3) along its axis corresponding to an axial position such that, during at least part of the startup phase, a shock wave (8), induced by the distrubance of the flow of the exhaust gases by the body of rounded shape (5) is incident to the wall of the divergent portion (3) at an axial incidence position where it produces a jet separation or a separation in the form of a toroidal separation bulb.

Abstract: When a FADEC detects an abnormality in any of engine+compressor combinations, a FCC controls the amount of air for driving the fan to a level that is lower than that before the abnormality has been detected, until a state is assumed in which the normally operating engine+compressor combination can supply the air at a flow rate necessary for a fan to generate a propulsion force that has been attained before the abnormality has been detected. As a result, the normally operating engine+compressor combination can be prevented from the occurrence of a surge and a resultant overload state. Therefore, when some drive sources from a plurality of drive sources fail, normally operating drive sources can be prevented from being in an overload state.

Abstract: A turbine for a sprinkler is disclosed for self-governing its rotational velocity. As a rate of fluid through the sprinkler increases, particularly when air is used to flush the sprinkler system, a portion of the turbine shifts outwardly so as to decrease alignment of vanes located thereon with directed water streams for controlling the rotation of the turbine.

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 method for achieving linear engine thrust response comprising the steps of measuring a throttle position (FNRQ), measuring a plurality of engine parameters, inputting the plurality of engine parameters and the throttle position into a plurality of schedules to produce a plurality of outputs, combining the plurality of outputs to produce a part power scheduled airflow (W2RSCH), and using the W2RSCH to produce a near linear thrust response of the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a missile, with a pilot valve system controls the vehicle's thrust valves despite a hostile propellant gas environment. The pilot valve system can have one or more pilot valves. Using refractory elements, the pilot valve ball reciprocates between a supply seat and a vent seat which is subject to the filtered inflow of propellant thrust gases. When open, the pilot valve allows the stray thrust gas to communicate to a control chamber which closes a poppet against a valve seat in the nozzle. When an associated solenoid closes the pilot valve by pushing the pilot valve ball against the supply seat, the control chamber is vented to ambient. The poppet may then travel into the cylinder bore and the nozzle is opened to exhaust propellant gases and exert lateral thrust on the vehicle. Certain nozzle thrust geometries provide useful vehicle guidance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing damage to machine components is provided. The method includes calculating an expected parameter value based on a first parameter value indicator, calculating an estimate of an actual parameter value based on a second parameter value indicator, the second parameter value indicator being different than the first parameter value indicator, determining if the calculated expected parameter value is different than the calculated estimate of the actual parameter value by a predefined limit, and generating a damage flag based on a result of the comparison. The apparatus includes a computing device including a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the processor programmed to execute a software product code segment that includes a detection boundary module, an estimator, and a comparator wherein the computing device is programmed to assess damage within an engine.

Abstract: A control apparatus 50 for a gas turbine engine for an aircraft includes engine control means 52 forming part of an outer fuel control loop and fuel control means/overthrust protector 76 forming part of an inner fuel control loop. Overthrust protection is provided within each of the engine control means 52 and the fuel control means/overthrust protector 76, which are powered and housed separately. Thus, a failure within one of these systems could not result in overthrust and demonstrably reliable overthrust protection is provided within a single channel.

Abstract: A method for assembling a flap system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including a plurality of backbone assemblies facilitates extending a useful life of the exhaust nozzle. The method includes providing a flap basesheet having a width defined between a pair of side edges that are coupled together by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and including at least one stiffener that extends between the basesheet side edges and includes an intermediate portion that has a width that is smaller than that of the basesheet and is at least one of bonded to and formed integrally with the basesheet, and coupling the basesheet to the gas turbine engine with a backbone assembly.

Abstract: A side thruster valve of an aerospace craft is improved to reduce torque of a servo-motor, etc. needed for nozzle opening and closing to thereby realize a compact and light weight device. The side thruster valve comprises a valve plug having its back directed to an axis of the aerospace craft and independently movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position of the valve plug in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the aerospace craft, an actuating means for moving the valve plug in an axial direction of the valve plug and an elastic member for activating the valve plug in the axial direction of the valve plug. In a side thruster device comprising a plurality of the side thruster valves, the side thruster valves are arranged independently of each other to thereby broaden freedom of combustion control and improve fuel consumption.

Abstract: A rocket engine (10) generates a flow of hot propulsion fluid through a nozzle (14N) for generating propulsive thrust along a thrust vector 8. One or more hybrid exhaust gas generators (36,38) have their exhausts (44,54) through the side of the nozzle. Each gas generator includes a fuel grain (46,56) and a source of oxidizer (16,40,50). The fuel grain produces exhaust gas only when oxidizer is provided. The fuel grain is kept hot by either or both (a) direct radiation or conduction from the hot propulsion fluid, or (b) by a trickle of oxidizer. The fuel grain can thus react quickly to a substantial flow of oxidizer. When the thrust vector is to be modified, the appropriate one of the hybrid gas generators receives a flow of oxidizer, and the resulting exhaust gas is injected through the side of the nozzle to disrupt the flow of propulsion fluid and modify the thrust vector.

Abstract: A short take-off and vertical landing (“STOVL”) aircraft has a conventional gas turbine engine that is selectively mechanically connected to a vertically-oriented lift fan by a drive shaft when the aircraft operates in a vertical flight mode. An engine control provides for rapid response thrust control of the lift fan and low rotor spool when the pilot initiates desired changes in thrust. The control achieves the rapid thrust response by varying the inlet guide vanes of the lift fan, together with selective fuel flow scheduling. These variations result in a substantially constant low rotor speed, which facilitates the desired rapid thrust response and corresponding aircraft control.

Abstract: A short take-off and vertical landing (“STOVL”) aircraft has a conventional gas turbine engine that is selectively mechanically connected to a vertically-oriented lift fan by a drive shaft when the aircraft operates in a vertical flight mode. An engine control provides for rapid response attitude control of the aircraft when the pilot initiates desired changes in the attitude (i.e., pitch, roll and/or yaw) of the aircraft. The control achieves the rapid response by varying both the inlet guide vanes of the lift fan and the area of the engine nozzle. These variations result in a substantially constant low rotor speed, which facilitates the desired rapid attitude response and corresponding aircraft control.

Abstract: A thruster valve has a continuously positionable piston between a closed position and a maximum open position. The piston moves in response to the difference in pressure between the pressure of the valve's inlet and thruster nozzle and the pressure behind the piston. A pivotable flapper valve regulates this pressure difference. When a change in thrust is required a force is applied to the flapper causing a change in this pressure difference which causes the piston to move until the desired thrust level is obtained.

Abstract: In an autothrottle system having the capability to reduce engine throttle setting from a first position to an idle position, an improvement including calculating a rate of throttle reduction as a function of the combination of a nominal retard rate value (10) and a retard rate adjustment value (12). In one embodiment, the nominal retard rate value (10) is equal to the angular difference between a current engine throttle control lever position (TRA) and an idle engine throttle control lever position (TRAIDLE), the difference being divided by an amount in the range of about 3 seconds to about 10 seconds. The retard rate adjustment value (12) is calculated as a function of the difference between current airspeed (VC) and a commanded airspeed (VCMD). During an underspeed condition, the retard rate adjustment signal decreases the rate of throttle reduction from the nominal retard rate value (10).

Abstract: When the operation of an electromagnetic thruster valve disposed in a fluid assage for establishing the connection between a gas tank and a thruster unit for jetting gas filled in the gas tank is controlled to follow a thrust command, rise time of thrust at certain thrust is measured based on a state of the operation of the electromagnetic thruster valve. Then, the measured value and a predetermined delay value are subject to a comparison. The obtained difference is used as previous delay time to correct delay time of operation control of the electromagnetic thruster valve with respect to a next thrust command when the operation of the electromagnetic valve is controlled.

Abstract: A Mach number sensor comprises a first pulse speed sensor situated in direct contact with an open area through which a first pressure pulse can pass and a second pulse speed sensor situated in a thermally conductive tube with membrane-covered ends having stationary air through which a second pressure pulse can pass. Each of the first and second pulse speed sensors may comprise two total internal reflection detectors and a timer for determining elapsed time for passage of the pressure pulse between the two detectors.

Abstract: A method for controlling the amount of side load experienced by a gas turbine engine and associated airframe components is provided, where the gas turbine engine includes a thrust vectoring system which deflects thrust at a vector angle away from a centerline thereof. The method includes the steps of calculating engine thrust, calculating a side load vector angle limit as a function of the calculated engine thrust and a side load limit, and limiting the vector angle of the thrust vectoring system to the side load vector angle limit in order to maintain operation of the gas turbine engine within the side load limit.

Abstract: The position of the normal airflow shock pattern in the airflow inlet of a supersonic aircraft jet engine assembly is detected by a light beam position sensor assembly. A narrow band coherent source light beam is angularly transmitted across the engine assembly airflow inlet and is angularly refracted by the normal shock pattern. A bank of light beam sensor assemblies is mounted on the airflow inlet so as to detect the position of the refracted light beam relative to the leading surface of the power section of the engine. Selectively adjustable airflow control tabs are mounted on the engine assembly and are operably connected to an airflow inlet controller. The airflow inlet controller monitors ambient flight conditions and the location of the refracted light beam, and will selectively adjust the position of the airflow control tabs so as to maintain the position of the normal shock pattern at a calculated desired distance from the leading surface of the engine power section.

Abstract: A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a piezoelectric stack responsive to a control signal input, a displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system provide the calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly opens as the piezoelectric stack expands upon application of a step change in voltage, allowing fluid to expand through the valve assembly and create thrust that is substantially equal in duration and directly proportional in amplitude to the control signal.

Abstract: A pressure controlled pintle is employed in combination with a throttling quid, gel, or hybrid engine to provide a constant pressure and variable thrust from a single operating engine. As the propellants are throttled back and the chamber pressure drops, the pintle moves and closes the gap between the pintle and nozzle throat, thereby lowering the throat area and re-establishing the design chamber pressure related to pintle spring tension. By retaining the design pressure over a wide thrust range, the engine efficiency remains at the design value. This eliminates the drop of Isp due to pressure and keeps the cost of the system reasonable because only one engine is required. When a higher thrust is desired, a throttling valve in an injector increases the propellant flow rate, which causes a higher pressure in the combustion chamber. The constant pressure actuator moves the pintle to open the nozzle throat, which reduces the pressure to the design value. The design value may not be optimum.

Abstract: A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a co-fired piezoelectric stack connected with a control signal input, a low-loss mechanical displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure spring-loaded axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system are utilized to provide a calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly is connected with the amplifier and includes a valve core which is normally forced closed upon a valve seat by a compression spring.

Abstract: Integration of engine functions and data communications between an aircraft propulsion module and an airframe is enabled by the use of fiber optic links which multiplex information and control functions without risk of an electrical failure in one portion of the aircraft electronics system propagating to other portions of the aircraft electronic systems.

Abstract: A control system for use in gas turbine engines simultaneously provides for improved engine efficiency and extended engine life without sacrificing engine performance. The control system is characterized by both standard and extended engine life (EEL) operating modes. The extended engine life (EEL) mode can be requested by the pilot during periods of less extreme flight maneuvers. The control system will, in response to pilot request, determine the current thrust provided by the engine and reconfigure the engine to provide that value of thrust at values of engine pressure ratio (EPR) as a function of engine airflow which produce a reduction in turbine inlet temperature.

Abstract: Integration of engine functions and data communications between an aircraft propulsion module and an airframe is enabled by the use of fiber optic links which multiplex information and control functions without risk of an electrical failure in one portion of the aircraft electronics system propagating to other portions of the aircraft electronic systems.