An aircraft propulsion system having a variable airflow capture area is provided. The propulsion system includes a main propulsion source and an auxiliary propulsion source. In a first mode, the auxiliary propulsion source is stowed within an aerodynamic profile of the aircraft, and the main propulsion source provides all of the propulsion force for powering flight of the aircraft. In a second mode, the auxiliary propulsion source is deployed to augment the airflow capture area of the main propulsion source and increase an overall airflow capture area of the propulsion system. In the second mode, the auxiliary power source is operated by power extracted from the main propulsion source. The main propulsion source may include one or more low bypass ratio engines. The auxiliary power source may include one or more auxiliary thrust fans coupled at a plurality of locations on the aircraft.
PROPULSION SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
2024-04-25
Patent
Electronic Resource
English