GB1349775A - Horizontal and vertical propulsion systems - Google Patents

Abstract

1349775 VTOL propulsion GENERAL ELECTRIC CO 2 July 1971 [2 July 1970] 31106/71 Heading B7G [Also in Division F1] A jet propulsion system, comprising two air pressurizing units 18 and 20, can form a generally horizontal propulsion system, with the units sequentially pressurizing an air stream, and a generally vertical propulsion system, with the units pressurizing separate air streams. The units, which may be tip turbine-driven fans driven by hot gas from gas generators 22, are mounted by means of outer spherical bearing surfaces 30, in a pod 16 which has a pair of upper apertures 54, which may be bell-mouthed, and a pair of lower apertures, 56, with which ducts 28 of the fan units are registered when they are in the vertical propulsion position, and which serve as air inlets and outlets respectively. When the units are in the position for horizontal propulsion, Fig. 5 (not shown), the ducts 28 register with the central duet 62 of the pod 16, the apertures 54 and 56 are covered by doors 58 and 60 respectively, and the air pressurized by fan unit 18 is further pressurized by the rear fan unit 20 and emitted through nozzle 64, together with the hot gas discharge from the unit 20, the hot gas from the unit 18 being discharged through passageway 66. In transition from vertical to horizontal propulsion the doors 60 are inclined to deflect air issuing from apertures 58 rearwardly, Fig. 7 (not shown), then the front fan unit 18 is pivoted to its horizontal position, Fig. 8 (not shown), and the air therefrom discharged through flaps 70 which are then opened. Finally the unit 20 is pivoted to its horizontal position and the flaps 70 closed.