The present invention aims to provide a modular jet trainer aircraft (1) which can be reconfigured to provide a plurality of different handling aircraft which will be particularly beneficial in the training of pilots. For example, the present invention provides a base structure on which elements can be changed in order to alter the handling capabilities, manoeuvrability and power of the aircraft. The aircraft may have a first basic configuration (1) which enables a pilot to learn relatively basic handling skills. The propulsions system and/or wing structures can then be changed to provide an aircraft (11) with more sophisticated handling and greater power capabilities. The invention involves the engine (17) being located fully outside the fuselage structure (14) whilst still being positioned on the centre-line of the fuselage (14) and with the engine's line of thrust directed through the centre of the fuselage and close to the aircraft's centre of gravity. By achieving this, the expensive design of the fuselage as primary or airworthy-critical structure can be completed independently from the installation of the engine.
Modular aircraft
2022-04-07
Patent
Electronic Resource
English