The present subject matter relates generally to an aircraft having vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, and a method for controlling the same.
Aircraft have been developed with a capability for performing vertical takeoff and landings. Such a capability may allow for the aircraft to reach relatively rugged terrains and remote locations, where it may be impractical or infeasible to construct a runway large enough to allow for a traditional aircraft (lacking vertical takeoff capability) to takeoff or land.
Typically these aircraft that are capable of performing vertical takeoff and landings have engines and propulsors that are vectored to generate both vertical thrust and forward thrust. These propulsors may be relatively large to generate an amount of thrust required for vertical takeoff and landings, as well as for forward flight. However, such a configuration may create complications, as the propulsors are generally designed to be most efficient during one of vertical thrust operations or forward thrust operations. Such may therefore lead to inefficiencies within the aircraft. Accordingly, a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to address these inefficiencies would be useful.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one aspect of the present disclosure a method for operating a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the aircraft including a fuselage, a wing extending from the fuselage, and a propulsion system having a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along the wing is provided. The method includes modifying a first variable component of the wing associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second variable component of the wing associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
In certain exemplary aspects modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component includes positioning the first variable component in a forward thrust position.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects positioning the first variable component in the vertical thrust position includes substantially completely enclosing the first portion of the plurality of forward thrust electric fans.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component further includes positioning the second variable component in a vertical thrust position.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects positioning the second variable component in the vertical thrust position includes substantially completely exposing the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans in the wing.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects the method further includes providing the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans with a first amount of electrical power and providing the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans with a second amount of electrical power, and wherein the first amount of electrical power is less than the second amount of electrical power.
In certain exemplary aspects modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component includes positioning the first variable component in a middle position, and wherein positioning the first variable component in the middle position includes partially exposing the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans and partially enclosing the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
In certain exemplary aspects the first variable component is spaced from the second variable component along a length of the wing.
In certain exemplary aspects each of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are fixed in orientation within the wing and arranged substantially linearly along the length of the wing.
In certain exemplary aspects the first variable component of the wing is a first partial wing assembly, wherein the second variable component of the wing is a second partial wing assembly.
In certain exemplary aspects the wing is a starboard wing, wherein the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans is a first plurality of vertical thrust electric fans, wherein the aircraft further includes a port wing extending from the fuselage, wherein the propulsion system includes a second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along the port wing, and wherein the method further includes: modifying a first variable component of the port wing associated with a first portion of the second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second variable component of the port wing associated with a second portion of the second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the aircraft including a fuselage, a wing extending from the fuselage, and a propulsion system having a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along the wing is provided. The method includes modifying a first variable component of the wing associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second variable component of the wing associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans to adjust an effective thrust profile of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to an effective thrust profile of the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
In certain exemplary aspects the first variable component is a first diffusion assembly, and wherein the second variable component is a second diffusion assembly.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component includes positioning the first diffusion assembly in an extended position.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component further includes positioning the second diffusion assembly in a retracted position.
For example, in certain exemplary aspects modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component includes modifying a diffusion area ratio of the first diffusion assembly relative to a diffusion area ratio of the second diffusion assembly.
In certain exemplary aspects the first variable component is spaced from the second variable component along a length of the wing.
In certain exemplary aspects each of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are fixed in orientation within the wing and arranged substantially linearly along the length of the wing.
In certain exemplary aspects the first variable component of the wing is a first partial wing assembly, wherein the second variable component of the wing is a second partial wing assembly.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an aircraft defining a vertical direction is provided. The aircraft includes a fuselage; a propulsion system including a power source and a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans driven by the power source; and a wing extending from the fuselage. The plurality of vertical thrust electric fans are arranged along a length of the wing, the wing including a variable geometry assembly including a first variable component associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans and a second variable component associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans, the first variable component moveable relative to the second variable component to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs., in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.
As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.
The terms “forward” and “aft” refer to relative positions within a gas turbine engine or vehicle, and refer to the normal operational attitude of the gas turbine engine or vehicle. For example, with regard to a gas turbine engine, forward refers to a position closer to an engine inlet and aft refers to a position closer to an engine nozzle or exhaust.
The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the direction to which the fluid flows.
The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.
The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.
Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined and interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.
The present disclosure is generally related to a method for operating a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The aircraft may include an electric, or hybrid electric, propulsion system with a plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along one or more wings of the aircraft. At least one of the wings includes a plurality of variable components, such as a first variable component and a second variable component. The method generally includes modifying the first variable component of the wing associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second variable component of the wing associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
For example, modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component may be done to adjust an effective thrust profile of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to an effective thrust profile of the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. Additionally, or alternatively, modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component may be done to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
Regardless, such a modification may allow for an increased level of control of the aircraft by more precisely controlling how the first and second portions of the vertical thrust electric fans are being used to generate thrust relative to one another for the aircraft. For example, such a modification may allow one portion of the vertical thrust electric fans to operate at substantially full power to generate substantially all the vertical thrust needed for that wing (the vertical thrust electric fans potentially being more efficient when operated at full power), while the other portion(s) of the vertical thrust electric fans are operated at substantially zero power, resulting in overall more efficient operation.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein identical numerals indicate the same elements throughout the Figs. (“Figs.”),
The aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 18 extending between a forward end 20 and an aft end 22 generally along the longitudinal centerline 12 of the aircraft 10. The aircraft 10 additionally includes one or more wings, each extending from the fuselage 18. More specifically, for the embodiment depicted the aircraft 10 includes four wings attached to or formed integrally with the fuselage 18. Specifically, for the embodiment depicted, the aircraft 10 includes a first wing, a second wing, a third wing, and a fourth wing, or more particularly an aft starboard wing 24, an aft port wing 26, a forward starboard wing 28, and a forward port wing 30, and. Each of these wings 24, 26, 28, 30 is attached to, or formed integrally with, the fuselage 18 and extends from the fuselage 18 outwardly generally along the transverse direction T (i.e., outwardly relative to the fuselage 18). It will be appreciated that although the forward port wing 30 and forward starboard wing 28 are depicted as being separate wings, in other embodiments, the forward port wing 30 and forward starboard wing 28 may be formed integrally, and together attached to the fuselage 18. Similarly, although the aft port wing 26 and aft starboard wing 24 are depicted as being separate wings, in other embodiments, the aft port wing 26 and aft starboard wing 24 may be formed integrally, and together attached the fuselage 18.
Although not depicted, in other embodiments, the aircraft 10 may additionally include one or more stabilizers, such as one or more vertical stabilizers, horizontal stabilizers, etc. Moreover, it will be appreciated, that although not depicted, in certain embodiments, one or more of the wings and/or stabilizers (if included) may additionally include flaps, such as leading-edge flaps or trailing edge flaps, for assisting with controlling the aircraft 10 during flight.
Referring still to
More specifically, for the embodiment depicted, the power source 36 includes a combustion engine 40, an electric machine 42, and an electric energy storage unit 44. More specifically, referring now also to
Additionally, the electric energy storage unit 44 may be a battery or other suitable component for storing electrical power. The electric energy storage unit 44 may receive electrical power from, e.g., the electric machine 42 (operating as an electric generator), and store electrical power for use during operation of the aircraft 10. For example, the electric energy storage unit 44 may receive and store electrical power from the electric machine 42 (operating as an electric generator) during certain operations, and subsequently provide electrical power to the plurality of VTE fans during other operations. Additionally, in still other operations, the electric energy storage unit 44 may provide electrical power back to the electric machine 42 to, e.g., power the aft fan for short durations, power the combustion engine 40 during emergency operations, or add power to the forward thrust propulsor 34 and/or to the combustion engine 40 during high power demand operations. Accordingly, with such exemplary embodiment, the electric machine 42 may further be configured as an electric motor.
More specifically, referring particularly to
The hot combustion gas is expanded through the turbine section where rotational energy is extracted therefrom. Specifically, the hot combustion gas rotates the high pressure turbine 68 and the low pressure turbine 70 as the gas flows therethrough and is expanded. As is depicted in phantom, these components may be enclosed within a casing 72 within, e.g., the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10. Although not depicted, the hot combustion gas may be exhausted, e.g., to atmosphere, from the low pressure turbine 70.
Also for the embodiment depicted, the high pressure turbine 68 is connected to the high pressure compressor 64 through a high pressure shaft or spool 74, such that a rotation of the high pressure turbine 68 additionally rotates the high pressure compressor 64. Similarly, the low pressure turbine 70 is connected to the low pressure compressor 62 through a low pressure shaft or spool 76, such that rotation of the low pressure turbine 70 additionally rotates the low pressure compressor 62.
It will be appreciated, however, that the exemplary turboshaft engine depicted in
Referring still to
Inclusion of a turboshaft engine and electric machine 42 in accordance with such an exemplary embodiment may allow for the electric power source 36 to generate a relatively high amount of electric power and to provide such electric power to the plurality of VTE fans of the propulsion system 32.
As is briefly discussed above, the turboshaft engine further drives the forward thrust propulsor 34 of the hybrid electric propulsion system 32. For the embodiment depicted, the forward thrust propulsor 34 is comprises a fan 86 coupled to a fan shaft 88. The aft output shaft 80 of the turboshaft engine is selectively mechanically coupled to or permanently mechanically coupled to the fan shaft 88 to allow the turboshaft engine to drive the fan 86. More specifically, during operation, the aft output shaft 80 of the turboshaft engine may drive the fan shaft 88 to rotate the fan 86 about a fan axis 90. Notably, the forward thrust propulsor 34 further includes an outer nacelle 92 surrounding at least a portion of the fan 86. In such a manner, the forward thrust propulsor 34 may be referred to as a ducted fan.
It will further be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the forward thrust propulsor 34 is mounted to the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 at an aft end 22 of the aircraft 10. Although not depicted, the forward thrust propulsor 34 may include one or more struts, or other structural members, extending between the outer nacelle 92 and the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 to mount the forward thrust propulsor 34 to the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10. Moreover, the forward thrust propulsor 34 is configured as a boundary layer ingestion fan defining an inlet 94 extending substantially 360 degrees around the fuselage 18. In such a manner, the forward thrust propulsor 34 may ingest a boundary layer airflow over the fuselage 18, and may re-energize such airflow to create a forward thrust for the aircraft 10.
Further, the fan 86 of the forward thrust propulsor 34 includes a plurality of fan blades 96 coupled to a disk 98, with the disk 98 coupled to the fan shaft 88. More specifically, for the embodiment depicted, each of the plurality of fan blades 96 are rotatably coupled to the disk 98 about a respective pitch axis 100. The forward thrust propulsor 34 further includes a pitch change mechanism 102 operable with each of the plurality of fan blades 96 to rotate each of the plurality of fan blades 96 about their respective pitch axes 100, e.g., in unison. Accordingly, for the embodiment depicted the forward thrust propulsor 34 is configured as a variable pitch fan.
Referring still to
For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, as is depicted in phantom, the forward thrust propulsor 34 may further include a drive electric machine 104, or rather, a drive motor, coupled to the fan shaft 88. The drive electric machine 104 may be electrically coupled to the power source 36, such as to one or more of the electric machine 42 or electric energy storage unit 44, through the electric communication bus 38. The drive electric machine 104 may receive electrical power to drive the fan 86 of the forward thrust propulsor 34 during, e.g., emergency operations. Inclusion of a one-way clutch in the coupling unit 106, such as a sprag clutch, may allow for the drive electric machine 104 to rotate the fan 86 without having to correspondingly rotate the combustion engine 40 (i.e., turboshaft for the embodiment depicted).
It will be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the clutch may instead be a two-way clutch actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the fan shaft 88 may rotate with the aft output shaft 80 of the turboshaft engine (via an intermediate shaft 108). By contrast, when in the disengaged position, the aft output shaft 80 of the turboshaft engine may rotate independently of the fan shaft 88. For example, in certain embodiments, the aircraft 10 may move the clutch to the disengaged position during, e.g., vertical takeoff, vertical landing, or hover operations wherein forward thrust is not required from the forward thrust propulsor 34. However, when the aircraft 10 transitions to forward thrust operations, such as cruise operations, the clutch may be moved to the engaged position to allow the forward thrust propulsor 34 to generate forward thrust for the aircraft 10.
Further, still, for the embodiment depicted in
It will be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the exemplary aircraft, and more specifically, the exemplary hybrid electric propulsion system, may include any other suitable combustion engine and forward thrust propulsor. For example, in other embodiments, the combustion engine may instead be a turboshaft engine having any other suitable configuration, an internal combustion engine, etc. Additionally, in other embodiments, the forward thrust propulsor may be coupled to the combustion engine in any other suitable manner. For example, in other embodiments, the forward thrust propulsor may be an electrically driven propulsor, an unducted fan, etc. Further, although depicted at an aft end 22 of the aircraft, in other embodiments, the forward thrust propulsor may instead be located at, e.g., a forward end 20 of the aircraft, or any other suitable location.
Further, still, in other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the propulsion system may include any other suitable power source for driving the plurality of VTE fans and forward thrust propulsor. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the propulsion system may not be a “hybrid-electric propulsion system,” and instead may be a purely electric propulsion system. With such an exemplary embodiment, substantially all the power for the VTE fans and forward thrust propulsor may be provided from the electric energy storage unit 44.
Referring now back particularly to
It will be appreciated, that as used herein, the term “along the vertical direction V of the aircraft 10” refers to a vertical direction defined by a normal orientation of the aircraft 10. For example, if the aircraft 10 is, e.g., tilted forward during certain operations, the first plurality of VTE fans 46 may provide thrust in a direction that is still along the vertical direction of the aircraft 10, but tilted relative to an absolute vertical direction. Additionally, in this context, the term “generally” refers to being within about thirty degrees of the vertical direction V of the aircraft 10, such as within about fifteen degrees of the vertical direction V.
Additionally, for the embodiment depicted, the first plurality of VTE fans 46 includes at least three VTE fans 46, and more specifically, includes four VTE fans 46. However, in other embodiments, the first plurality of VTE fans 46 may instead include any other suitable number of VTE fans 46, such as two, five or more VTE fans 46. In certain embodiments, each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 may be configured in the same manner as one another, or alternatively at least one of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 may be configured differently (e.g., variable pitch or fixed pitch, variable speed or fixed speed, etc.).
Notably, by distributing the first plurality of VTE fans 46 along the length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24, the lift forces on the aft starboard wing 24 generated by the first plurality of VTE fans may be distributed in a manner similar to a distribution of lift forces generated on the aft starboard wing 24 during forward flight operations (i.e., left generated due to an airfoil cross-sectional shape of the aft starboard wing 24). In such a manner, a structural frame of the aft starboard wing 24 (referred to as a body portion 114, below), may serve a dual function of supporting the lift forces during vertical flight operations, as well as supporting the lift forces during forward flight operations. Such may generally result in a more efficiently constructed aircraft 10.
It will further be appreciated that the exemplary propulsion system 32 includes a similar plurality of electric fans integrated into the other wings 26, 28, 30 of the aircraft 10. Each of these electric fans are similarly oriented to generate thrust generally along the vertical direction V of the aircraft 10, and in such a manner may therefore also be configured as VTE fans. More specifically, the propulsion system 32 further includes a second plurality of VTE fans 52 integrated into the aft port wing 26 and arranged substantially linearly along a length of the aft port wing 26, a third plurality of VTE fans 54 integrated into the forward starboard wing 28 and arranged substantially linearly along a length of the forward starboard wing 28, and a fourth plurality of VTE fans 56 integrated into the forward port wing 30 and arranged substantially linearly along a length of the forward port wing 30.
For the embodiment depicted, the second plurality of VTE fans 52 includes four VTE fans, and the third and fourth pluralities of VTE fans 54, 56 each include two VTE fans. It will be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, each of the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 may have any other suitable number of VTE fans and further that in certain exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 may be configured in substantially the same manner as one another, or one or more of such pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 may be configured differently. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46, second plurality of VTE fans 52, third plurality of VTE fans 54 and fourth plurality of VTE fans 56 may be configured as variable speed, fixed pitch fans, or alternatively, may each be configured as variable speed, variable pitch fans (the “variable speed” functionality described below). Or, alternatively, only a select number of these VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 may have such functionality.
Moreover, as is depicted most clearly in
More specifically, the exemplary embodiment of
In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the electric power controllers 60 may be one or more of a power converter, a power inverter, or a power transformer. Accordingly, in certain exemplary embodiments, the electric power controllers 60 may be configured to convert electrical power received through the electric communication bus 38 from alternating current (“AC”) electrical power to direct current (“DC”) electrical power, or vice versa, and further may be configured in at least certain embodiments to modify an amount of the electrical power (e.g., a voltage or a current) received through the electric communication bus 38 from the power source 36 before transferring such electrical power to a respective VTE fan.
Accordingly, in at least certain embodiments each of the electric power controllers 60 may modify an amount of electrical power provided to a respective VTE fan, which as will be appreciated, may allow for the aircraft 10, and more specifically may allow for the main controller 58, to modify a rotational speed of each VTE fan of the pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56. For example, each of the electric power controllers 60 may be operably coupled to the main controller 58 through, e.g., a wired or wireless communication bus (not shown), such that the main controller 58 may control the electrical power provided to each of the individual VTE fans.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in at least certain embodiments each VTE fan of the pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 may be variable speed fans. Accordingly, by modifying an amount of electrical power provided to each VTE fan through a respective electric power controller 60, the aircraft 10 may modify a rotational speed of the respective VTE fan, and therefore an amount of vertical thrust provided by the respective VTE fan. In such a manner, the aircraft 10 may allow for more dynamic control during vertical takeoff and landing, or other vertical thrust operations.
It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the aircraft 10, or rather, the electric communication bus 38 may not include an electric power controller 60 for each of the individual VTE fans. Instead, for example, in other embodiments, the electric communication bus 38 may include a single electric power controller 60 for each of the individual pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56. In still other embodiments, however, any other suitable configuration may be provided.
Referring particularly to
For example, referring particularly to the aft starboard wing 24, for the embodiment depicted, the aft starboard wing 24, which is coupled to, and extends from, the fuselage 18, includes the structural body portion 114 (see particularly
More specifically, still, for the embodiment of
Referring now also to
As will be appreciated, the aircraft 10 further defines a horizontal direction. The horizontal direction, as used herein refers to generally to any direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V, and therefore may also be thought of as a horizontal plane. As will be appreciated, the longitudinal direction L extends within, and therefore is parallel to the horizontal direction/horizontal plane. The variable geometry assembly 116 is movable generally along the horizontal direction between the forward thrust position and the vertical thrust position, and more specifically, for the embodiment depicted, is movable generally along the longitudinal direction L. More specifically still, it will be appreciated that the aft starboard wing 24 defines a widthwise direction W perpendicular to the lengthwise direction LW, and for the embodiment shown, the variable geometry assembly 116 is movable generally along the widthwise direction W of the aft starboard wing 24. (It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, aspects of the variable geometry assembly 116 may instead move or translate in any other suitable direction along the horizontal plane. Additionally, although the widthwise direction W and Longitudinal direction L are depicted, e.g., in
More specifically, the forward partial wing assembly 118 is positioned generally at a forward side of the aft starboard wing 24 and is movable generally along the horizontal direction when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved between the forward thrust position and vertical thrust position. Particularly for the embodiment depicted, the forward partial wing assembly 118 moves forward generally along the longitudinal direction L (and more specifically, along the widthwise direction W) when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position (
By contrast, the aft partial wing assembly 120 is positioned generally at an aft side of the aft starboard wing 24. Similar to the forward partial wing assembly 118, however, the aft partial wing assembly 120 is movable generally along the horizontal direction when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved between the forward thrust position and vertical thrust position. More specifically, for the embodiment depicted, the aft partial wing assembly 120 moves aft generally along the longitudinal direction L (and more specifically, along the widthwise direction W) when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position (
Accordingly, as stated, and as will be appreciated from
By contrast, as will be appreciated from
It will be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the variable geometry assembly 116 may not substantially completely enclose each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 when in the forward thrust position. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the variable geometry assembly 116 may only partially enclose one or more of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 when in the forward thrust position. In such a manner, the aircraft 10 may be configured for relatively efficient forward flight while one or more of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 is at least partially exposed (either on an inlet side/top side of the wing 24, outlet side/bottom side of the wing 24, or a combination of both).
Further, it will be appreciated that as stated above the variable geometry assembly 116, and more specifically the forward and aft partial wing assemblies 118, 120 of the variable geometry assembly 116, extend substantially along an entirety of the length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24. More particularly, each of the forward and aft partial wing assemblies 118, 120 defines a length 122 (see
In such a manner, the variable geometry assembly 116, and more specifically, the forward and aft partial wing assemblies 118, 120 may be moved, e.g., in unison, to expose each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 arranged along the length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24 and integrated into the aft starboard wing 24.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted in
It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the wings of the aircraft 10 may have a variable geometry assembly 116 configured in any other suitable manner. For example, referring now to
For example, the aircraft 10 generally includes a fuselage 18 and a propulsion system 32 having a power source 36. Moreover, the aircraft 10 includes a plurality of wings extending from, and couple to, the fuselage 18. For example, the plurality of wings includes a forward starboard wing 28, an aft starboard wing 24, a forward port wing 30 and an aft port wing 26. The propulsion system 32 includes a plurality of VTE fans driven by the power source 36, and more particularly, includes a first plurality of VTE fans 46 arranged along a length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24, a second plurality of VTE fans 52 arranged along a length of the aft port wing 26, a third plurality of VTE fans 54 arranged along a length of the forward starboard wing 28, and a fourth plurality of VTE fans 56 arranged along a length of the forward port wing 30.
Further, each of the wings includes one or more components for selectively exposing the respective plurality of VTE fans. More specifically, each of the wings includes a variable geometry assembly 116 movable between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position to at least partially cover up and at least partially expose the respective pluralities of VTE fans arranged along the lengths thereof, and more specifically integrated therein. However, for the embodiment depicted, each of these variable geometry assemblies 116 is operable to selectively expose and/or cover less than all of the respective plurality of VTE fans arranged along the length of the respective wing.
For example, referring particularly to the aft starboard wing 24 including the first plurality of VTE fans 46, the variable geometry assembly 116 includes a partial wing assembly, with the partial wing assembly at least partially covering less than all of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in the forward thrust position. More specifically, for the embodiment of
Further, still, for the embodiment depicted, the variable geometry assembly 116 of the aft starboard wing 24 further includes an inner, aft partial wing assembly 120A and an outer, aft partial wing assembly 120B. The inner, aft partial wing assembly 120A is operable with the inner, forward partial wing assembly 118A to substantially completely cover or expose a first portion 46A of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 and the outer, aft partial wing assembly 120B is operable with the outer, forward partial wing assembly 118B to substantially completely cover or expose a second portion 46B of the first plurality of VTE fans 46.
It will be appreciated that, as is shown in
For example, as is depicted, the variable geometry assembly 116 may be movable to one or more partial vertical thrust positions, such as the position shown, wherein the inner, forward partial wing assembly 118A and inner, aft partial wing assembly 120A are in retracted positions to substantially completely cover the first portion 46A of the first plurality of VTE fans 46, and wherein the outer, forward partial wing assembly 118B and outer, aft partial wing assembly 120B are in extended positions to substantially completely expose the second portion 46B of the first plurality of VTE fans 46. Such may allow for the first plurality of VTE fans 46 to provide a reduced amount of vertical thrust during, e.g., transitional flight conditions of the aircraft 10 (e.g., transitioning from vertical flight to forward flight or vice versa).
Further, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the variable geometry assemblies 116 of each of the other wings, i.e., the aft port wing 26, forward starboard wing 28, and forward port wing 30, are depicted configured in a similar manner to the exemplary variable geometry assembly 116 of the aft starboard wing 24. Notably, at least certain operations of the aircraft 10 described above with reference to
Further, still, it should be appreciated that although the exemplary variable geometry assemblies 116 depicted in
In such a manner, it will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in
Referring back to
For example, referring first briefly to
Referring particularly to
More particularly, in order to form the diffusion assembly 126, the variable geometry assembly 116 is configured to pivot the forward partial wing assembly 118 and aft partial wing assembly 120 downwardly into the diffusion configuration shown in
Further, it will be appreciated that the diffusion assembly 126 for the embodiment of
Notably, as is shown, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, the inlet 128 may generally define an inlet cross-sectional area and the outlet 132 may generally define an outlet cross-sectional area. The outlet cross-sectional area may be greater than the inlet cross-sectional area such that the diffusion assembly 126 generally defines a diffusion area ratio greater than 1:1. In such a manner, the forward and aft partial wing assemblies 118, 120 of the variable geometry assembly 116 may act to defuse the airflow 130 from the first plurality of VTE fans 46, downstream of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 during operation. As will be discussed in greater detail below, such may allow the first plurality of VTE fans 46 to operate more efficiently.
In certain exemplary embodiments, each of the other wings of the aircraft 10 may be configured in substantially the same manner as the exemplary aft starboard wing 24 described herein with reference to
For example, referring now to
For example, referring back briefly to
Further, each of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30 includes one or more components that are movable to selectively expose at least one VTE fan of the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56. For example, the one or more components of each of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30 may include of a variable geometry assembly 116 movable between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position to at least partially cover up and at least partially expose the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 arranged along the lengths thereof, and more specifically integrated therein. Referring specifically to
Further, for the embodiment depicted, the partial wing assembly is a forward partial wing assembly 118, the frame of the partial wing assembly is a forward frame 138, and the variable geometry assembly 116 of the aft starboard wing 24 further includes an aft partial wing assembly 120. The aft partial wing assembly 120 similarly includes an aft frame 140, and is movable at least partially along the longitudinal direction L. When the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to a vertical thrust position (shown; see also
For the embodiment depicted, the body portion 114 of the aft starboard wing 24 includes two primary actuators 136, with each of these primary actuators 136 coupled to both the forward partial wing assembly 118 and the aft partial wing assembly 120 to move the forward partial wing assembly 118 and aft partial wing assembly 120 between their respective retracted positions (when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in the forward thrust position) and extended positions (when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in a vertical thrust position). The primary actuators 136 may be electric actuators (e.g., including electric motors), hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, or any other suitable actuator for moving the forward and aft partial wing assemblies 118, 120 generally along the longitudinal direction L in the manner described herein.
Further, for the embodiment depicted, the body portion 114 of the aft starboard wing 24 includes three rails 134, and each of the forward partial wing assembly 118 and aft partial wing assembly 120 includes a slide member 142 (depicted in phantom; see also
Reference will now be made particularly to
Moreover, referring first to the forward partial wing assembly 118, it will be appreciated that the forward partial wing assembly 118 further comprises a first member 144. The first member 144 is movable relative to the forward frame 138 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 to form an exhaust path 146 for at least one of the plurality of VTE fans 46, and more particularly, is movable relative to the forward frame 138 to form the exhaust path 146 for the least one of the first plurality VTE fans 46 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. More specifically, still, for the embodiment depicted, the first member 144 is movable relative to the forward frame 138 to form the exhaust path 146 for each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the first member 144 extends substantially continuously along a length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24, adjacent to each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46. More specifically, the first member 144 extends substantially from an inner edge (i.e., inner a relative to the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10) of an inner-most VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 to an outer edge (i.e., outer relative to the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10) of an outer-most VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 (see
Further, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the first member 144 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 is configured as a bottom member of the forward partial wing assembly 118, and accordingly, is configured to move downwardly generally along the vertical direction V when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position (and the forward partial wing assembly 118 is moved to an extended position). For the embodiment depicted, the bottom member is pivotably coupled to the forward frame 138 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 at a joint 148, and accordingly, is configured to pivot downwardly generally along the vertical direction V about the joint 148 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. In certain embodiments, the joint 148 may extend continuously along a length of the first member 144, or alternatively, the joint 148 may include a plurality of individual joints 134 spaced along the length of the first member 144 (i.e., along the lengthwise direction LW of the aft starboard wing 24).
Additionally, referring still to the forward partial wing assembly 118, for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the forward partial wing assembly 118 further includes a second member 150 similarly movable relative to the forward frame 138 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 to at least partially define an inlet path 152 for the at least one VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46. More specifically, still, for the embodiment depicted, the second member 150 is movable relative to the forward frame 138 to form the inlet path 152 for each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the second member 150 also extends substantially continuously along the length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24, adjacent to each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 (i.e., substantially from an inner edge of an inner-most VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 to an outer edge of an outer-most VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46).
Moreover, for the embodiment shown, the second member 150 is a top member and is configured to move upwardly generally along the vertical direction V when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. More particularly, as with the bottom member, the top member is pivotably coupled to the forward frame 138 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 at a joint 154, and accordingly, is configured to pivot upwardly generally along the vertical direction V about the joint 154 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. As with the joint 148, the joint 154 may be a continuous joint (i.e., extending substantially continuously along the length of the second member 150), or alternatively, may be a plurality of individual joints spaced along the length of the second member 150.
Referring still to
Moreover, as with the forward partial wing assembly 118, for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the aft partial wing assembly 120 also includes a second member 160 similarly movable relative to the frame 140 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 to form at least in part the inlet path 152 for the at least one VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46. More specifically, for the embodiment shown, the second member 160 is a top member is configured to move upwardly generally along the vertical direction V when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position. More particularly, as with the bottom member, the top member is pivotably coupled to the frame 140 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 at a joint 162, and accordingly, is configured to pivot upwardly generally along the vertical direction V about the joint 162 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved to the vertical thrust position.
Notably, as with the first and second members 144, 150 of the forward partial wing assembly 118, the first and second members 156, 160 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 may each extend substantially continuously along the length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24, such that they each extend adjacent to each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 (i.e., substantially from an inner edge of an inner-most VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 to an outer edge of an outer-most VTE fan of the first plurality of VTE fans 46).
It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, the first and second members 144, 150 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 and/or the first and second members 156, 160 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 may not extend continuously in such a manner, and instead may have any other suitable configuration. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of such members 144, 150, 156, 160 may include a plurality of individual members arranged sequentially along the length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24. In such an embodiment, such plurality of members may operate independently of one another, and/or may operate in unison.
Regardless, referring still to
Additionally, for the embodiment depicted the first member 144 and the second member 150 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 are movable by a first member actuator 164 and a second member actuator 166, respectively. For the embodiment depicted, the first member actuator 164 and the second member actuator 166 are each configured as pneumatic actuators, and more specifically, as an inflatable bladder configured to receive a pressurized flow of air to expand when the forward partial wing assembly 118 is moved to the forward thrust position in order to pivot the first member 144 downwardly along the vertical direction V to its open position and the second member 150 upwardly along the vertical direction V to its open position. Notably, in certain embodiments, the first and second members 144, 150 may be biased towards the closed/retracted position, such that the first and second members 144, 150 may be moved to their respective closed positions by deactivating or deflating the respective (pneumatic) actuators 164, 166.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment shown, the first member actuator 164 and the second member actuator 166 may operate independently of the primary actuators 136 described above with reference to
As is also depicted, the first member 156 and second member 160 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 are similarly movable by a first member actuator 164 and a second member actuator 166, respectfully. The first member actuator 164 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 may operate in substantially the same manner as the first member actuator 164 the forward partial wing assembly 118. Additionally, the second member actuator 166 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 may operate in substantially the same manner as the second member actuator 166 of the aft partial wing assembly 120. Accordingly, will be appreciated that the first and second members 156, 160 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 are also movable in the same manner as the first and second members 156, 160 of the forward partial wing assembly 118, as described above. (Notably, in such a manner, the first and second members 156, 160 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 may also be biased towards their respective closed positions.)
Referring particularly to
Further, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, a first VTE fan 46-1 (see also
Notably, for the embodiment depicted, the first member 156 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 also defines a first angle 176 with the fan axis 170 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in the vertical thrust position and when the first member 156 is in its open position (
Further, for the embodiment depicted, the second member 150 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 similarly defines a first angle 180 with the fan axis 170 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in the forward thrust position and when the second member 150 is in its closed position (
Notably, for the embodiment depicted, the second member 160 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 also defines a first angle 181 with the fan axis 170 when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in the vertical thrust position and when the first member 156 is in its open position (
Moreover, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the first member 144 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 defines a length 184 and the first VTE fan 46-1 of the plurality of VTE fans 46 (i.e., the at least one VTE fan depicted) defines a fan diameter 186. For the embodiment depicted, the length 184 of the first member 144 of the forward partial wing assembly 118 is at least about twenty-five (25) percent of the fan diameter 186. Similarly, the first member 156 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 defines a length 188. The length 188 of the first member 156 of the aft partial wing assembly 120 is also at least about twenty-five (25) percent of the fan diameter 186. Moreover, the lengths 184, 188 of the first members 144, 156 of the forward and aft partial wing assemblies 118, 120, respectfully, may be up to about one hundred and fifty percent of the fan diameter 186.
Further, referring now briefly to
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that although the embodiments shown in
Inclusion of a forward partial wing assembly 118 including a first member and an aft partial wing assembly 120 including a first member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may allow for the wing to form an exhaust flowpath for the plurality of VTE fans capable of improving performance of the plurality of VTE fans. In such a manner, smaller, and less powerful VTE fans may be included within the aircraft 10, while still providing a desired amount of vertical thrust for, e.g., vertical takeoff and vertical landing.
It should be appreciated, however, that the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 described with reference to
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in still other exemplary embodiments, other suitable diffusion assemblies may be included with one or more of the wings of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 10.
For example, referring now generally to
For example, referring back briefly to
Further, each of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30 includes one or more components that are movable to selectively expose at least one VTE fan of the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56. For example, the one or more components of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30 may be components of a variable geometry assembly 116 movable between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position to at least partially cover up and at least partially expose the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 arranged along the lengths thereof, and more specifically integrated therein. For example, referring now particularly to
Additionally, as stated above, the aft starboard wing 24 includes a diffusion assembly 126. However, as is shown, for the embodiment depicted the diffusion assembly 126 is not integrated into the variable geometry assembly 116. More specifically, the diffusion assembly 126 of the aft starboard wing 24 includes a plurality of members that are separate from the variable geometry assembly 116 and movable generally between a first position (
Further, for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the diffusion assembly 126 further includes a third member 198, the third member 198 is similarly movable generally along the vertical direction V relative to the first member 194 and the second member 196 such that the third member 198 also define at least in part the exhaust flowpath 146 for the first VTE fan 46-1 when the diffusion assembly 126 is in the second position (
For the embodiment depicted, the first member 194, second member 196, and third member 198 are generally nested within one another. More specifically, it will be appreciated that for the embodiment depicted, the first position is a retracted position (
Moreover, referring briefly also to
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the first member 194 defines a substantially frustoconical shape along the axis 170 of the first VTE fan 46-1, the second member 196 defines a substantially frustoconical shape along the axis 170 of the first VTE fan 46-1, and the third member 198 also defines a substantially frustoconical shape along the axis 170 of the first VTE fan 46-1. In such a manner, it will be appreciated that each of the first member 194, second member 196, and third member 198 of the diffusion assembly 126 each additionally define a maximum internal diameter 201, 203, 205, respectively, with the portion of the respective member defining the minimum internal diameter being above the portion of the respective member defining the maximum internal diameter along the vertical direction V.
In such a manner, it will be appreciated that the diffusion assembly 126 generally defines an inlet 128 immediately downstream of the first VTE fan 46-1 and an outlet 132 downstream of the inlet 128. The diffusion assembly 126 further defines an outlet cross-sectional shape at the outlet 132 that is greater than an inlet cross-sectional shape at the inlet 128, such that the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 depicted defines a diffusion area ratio greater than about 1:1 and less than about 2:1. The benefit of such a configuration will be described in greater detail below.
Referring particularly to the embodiment depicted, will be appreciated that the first VTE fan 46-1 of the first plurality VTE fans defines a fan diameter 186 and the minimum internal diameter 200 of the first member 194 of the diffusion assembly 126 is greater than or substantially equal to the fan diameter 186. Additionally, the second member 196 is generally larger than the first member 194, and the third member 198 is generally larger than the second member 196. Such may enable the nesting configuration when the diffusion assembly 126 is in the retracted position (
Further, given the substantially frustoconical shapes of the first member 194, second member 196, and third member 198, the second member 196 may be configured to rest on the first member 194 when moved to the extended position, and similarly, the third member 198 may be configured to rest on the second member 196 when moved to the extended position. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the first member 194 defines a maximum outer diameter 207 (i.e., at a bottom end along the vertical direction V; see particularly Callout A in
In order to move the diffusion assembly 126 between the first, retracted position (
Further, in other embodiments, any other suitable actuation member 206 may be provided for moving various members between the extended positions and the retracted positions. Moreover, although the first member 194, second member 196, and third member 198 each define a substantially circular cross-sectional shape for the embodiment shown (and more particularly, a substantially frustoconical shape for the embodiments shown), in other embodiments, one or more of the first member 194, second member 196, and third member 198 may define any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Further, although for the embodiment depicted, the diffusion assembly 126 includes three members, in other embodiments, the diffusion assembly 126 may include any other suitable number of members. For example, in other embodiments, the diffusion assembly 126 may include two members, four members, five members, or more.
Further, still, although the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 discussed above with reference to
Further, still, it will be appreciated that although the exemplary diffusion assemblies 126 are described and depicted as being included with the aft starboard wing 24, in certain embodiments, one or more of the remaining wings may also include similar diffusion assemblies 126. For example, in other embodiments, each of the aft port wing 26, forward starboard wing 28, and forward port wing 30 may include diffusion assemblies 126 configured in a manner similar to the embodiment described above with reference to
It will further be appreciated, however, that in still other exemplary embodiments, other suitable diffusion assemblies 126 may be included with one or more of the wings of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 10.
For example, referring now to
For example, referring back briefly to
Further, each of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30 includes one or more components that are movable to selectively expose at least one VTE fan of the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56. For example, the one or more components of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30 may be components of a variable geometry assembly 116 movable between a forward thrust position and a vertical thrust position to at least partially cover up and at least partially expose the respective pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52, 54, 56 arranged along the lengths thereof, and more specifically integrated therein. Referring now particularly to
However, as with certain of the above exemplary embodiments, for the embodiment depicted, the diffusion assembly 126 is not integrated into the variable geometry assembly 116. More specifically, the diffusion assembly 126 of the aft starboard wing 24 is separate from the variable geometry assembly 116. More specifically still, the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 depicted generally includes a plurality of diffusion members fixed in position at a location downstream of at least the first VTE fan 46-1 of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 in the aft starboard wing 24 for defusing an airflow 130 from the first VTE fan 46-1.
More particularly, as is shown in
Further, as is shown, it will be appreciated that the aft starboard wing 24 further defines a lengthwise direction LW and a widthwise direction W perpendicular to the lengthwise direction LW. In addition to the forward and aft diffusion members 210, 212, the diffusion assembly 126 depicted further includes separation diffusion members 214 extending generally along the widthwise direction W between each of the adjacent VTE fans of the first plurality of VTE fans 46. Further, for the embodiment depicted, the separation diffusion members 214 extend generally from the forward diffusion member 210 to the aft diffusion member 212. Similarly, the diffusion assembly 126 includes end diffusion members 216 extending between the forward diffusion member 210 and the aft diffusion member 212 at an inner end of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 and at an outer end of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 (i.e., inner end and outer end relative to the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10). Notably, the separation diffusion members 214 and end diffusion members 216 may assist with providing the desired diffusion of the airflow 130 through the first plurality of VTE fans 46, and further may provide for a separation of the airflow 130 from each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46, such that the first plurality of VTE fans 46 may still provide a desired amount of vertical thrust in the event of a failure of one of such first plurality of VTE fans 46. Additionally, or alternatively, such a configuration may allow for the operation of less than all of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 during, e.g., transitional flight periods.
Notably, in addition to the forward diffusion member 210 and aft diffusion member 212, it will be appreciated that the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 further includes a plurality of interior diffusion members 218 extending generally along the lengthwise direction LW of the aft starboard wing 24 and spaced from one another, the forward diffusion member 210, and the aft diffusion member 212 along the widthwise direction W of the aft starboard wing 24. More specifically, for the embodiment shown, the diffusion assembly 126 includes three interior diffusion members 218. However, in other embodiments, the diffusion assembly 126 may instead include any other suitable number of interior diffusion members 218 for providing a desired amount of diffusion of the airflow 130 through the first plurality of VTE fans 46.
Additionally, it will be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the diffusion members may define any other suitable shape along the lengthwise direction LW of the aft starboard wing 24. For example, although the plurality of interior diffusion members 218 extend generally linearly along the lengthwise direction LW of the aft starboard wing 24, in other embodiments, one or more these interior diffusion members 218, or other diffusion members, may extend in any other shape or direction. For example, referring briefly to
Referring now to
Notably, it will be appreciated that the diffusion assembly 126 may further define a plurality of inlets 128 located immediately downstream of each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46, and further may define a plurality of outlets 132 located downstream of the respective plurality of inlets 128. For example, referring back briefly to
Moreover, it will be appreciated that with the inclusion of the plurality of diffusion members of the diffusion assembly 126—including the forward and aft diffusion members 210, 212, the interior diffusion members 218, the separation diffusion members 214, and the end diffusion members 216—the diffusion assembly 126, or rather, each of the plurality of diffusion members 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 of the diffusion assembly 126, may define a relatively small maximum height 223 along the vertical direction V. Notably, as used herein, the term “maximum height along the vertical direction V” refers to a maximum measurement along the vertical direction V of any of the diffusion members from the inlet 128 of the diffusion assembly 126 to the outlet 132 of the diffusion assembly 126.
More particularly, it will be appreciated that in order to provide the desired amount of diffusion, further discussed below, a minimum amount of surface area of the various diffusion members to which the airflow 130 from the first plurality of VTE fans 46 is exposed is required. Including the multiple diffusion members may allow for each of these diffusion members to assist with the diffusion and contribute to the total amount of surface area required for such diffusion, without requiring relatively long members along the vertical direction V. Accordingly, such may provide for a relatively low profile for the diffusion assembly 126. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the maximum height 223 of the plurality of diffusion members may be less than about thirty percent (30%) of the fan diameter 186, such as less than about twenty-five percent (25%) of the fan diameter 186, such as less than about twenty percent (20%) of the fan diameter 186. Notably, for the embodiment depicted, each of the diffusion members is substantially the same height 223 along the vertical direction V.
In such a manner, it will be appreciated that the diffusion members are not extended or retracted when the variable geometry assembly 116 is moved between the vertical thrust position and the forward thrust position, providing for relatively simple wing assembly. For example, in such a manner, when the variable geometry assembly 116 is in the vertical thrust position, the variable geometry assembly 116 substantially completely covers the plurality of diffusion members of the diffusion assembly 126 in addition to the first plurality of VTE fans 46.
Moreover, from the Figs. and description above, it will be appreciated that the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 generally defines a diffusion area ratio. The diffusion area ratio refers to a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the outlet 132 (see Callout B of
Referring now generally to the various embodiments of the diffusion assembly described herein (e.g., with reference to
Moreover, it will be appreciated that inclusion of a diffusion assembly may result in a first VTE fan 46-1 of a first plurality of VTE fans 46 defining a relatively high power loading during vertical thrust operations. Power loading, as used herein, refers to a measure of an amount of thrust produced per unit of power applied. More specifically, by utilizing an electric fan as the VTE fan to generate thrust along a vertical direction V during vertical thrust operations of the aircraft 10, and including a diffusion assembly 126 for defusing an airflow 130 from the VTE fan(s) in the manner described herein, the first VTE fan 46-1 of the first plurality VTE fans 46 may define a power loading during such vertical thrust operations greater than about three pounds per horsepower and up to, or rather less than, about fifteen pounds per horsepower. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the first VTE fan 46-1 may define a power loading during vertical thrust operations greater than about four pounds per horsepower and less than about ten pounds per horsepower. More specifically, still, the aircraft 10 may be designed for certain flight operations requiring a certain amount of vertical thrust. For example, in certain embodiments, the diffusion assembly 126 and propulsion system 32 may be designed such that the first VTE fan 46-1 of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 defines a power loading between about six pounds per horsepower and about nine pounds per horsepower, or alternatively, may be designed such that the first VTE fan 46-1 of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 defines a power loading between about for pounds per horsepower and about seven pounds per horsepower.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that in certain exemplary embodiments, each of the first plurality of VTE fans 46 may define such a power loading during vertical thrust operations, and further that each of the other VTE fans of the propulsion system may also define such a power loading during vertical thrust operations.
Inclusion of VTE fans defining such a power loading may allow for the inclusion of relatively small diameter VTE fans arranged along a length 48 of the aft starboard wing 24, as well as arranged along the lengths of the other wings. In such a manner, each of the wings may define a relatively high aspect ratio, which may provide for relatively efficient forward flight. More specifically, for the embodiments described herein, such as the exemplary embodiment depicted in
It will be appreciated, that as used herein, the term “aspect ratio,” with reference to one or more of the wings 24, 26, 28, 30, generally refers to a ratio of the wing's span to its mean chord.
In sum, it will be appreciated that in various embodiments of the present disclosure, an aircraft 10 is provided having a wing extending from a fuselage 18 and a propulsion system 32 having a plurality of VTE fans arranged along the wing. The wing may include one or more components being movable to selectively expose at least one VTE fan of the plurality of VTE fans. For example, the one or more components may be components of a variable geometry assembly 116, which may include, e.g., a forward partial wing assembly 118 and an aft partial wing assembly 120 movable to selectively expose the plurality of VTE fans arranged along the length 48 of the wing. The wing may further include a diffusion assembly 126 positioned downstream of the at least one VTE fan of the plurality of VTE fans and defining a diffusion area ratio greater than 1:1 and less than about 2:1. Such a diffusion area ratio may be defined by the diffusion assembly 126 regardless of a particular structure forming the diffusion assembly 126. For example, the diffusion assembly 126 may be a fixed diffusion assembly 126, such as the embodiment described above with reference to
It will be appreciated, that in other exemplary embodiments, the aircraft 10 and propulsion system 32 may have any other suitable configuration. For example, referring now briefly to
However, for the embodiment depicted, the aircraft 10 does not include four wings arranged in a canard configuration (compare, e.g.,
Referring still to
Further, as will be appreciated, the pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52 may be arranged in any suitable manner along the lengths of the respective first and second wings 24, 26. Specifically for the embodiment show, the first plurality of VTE fans 46 are arranged in a substantially linear manner along the length of the first wing 24. By contrast, however, the second plurality of VTE fans 52 are arranged in a staggered manner along the length of the second wing 26. Although the first and second pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52 are arranged in different manners for the embodiment shown, such is simply for explanatory purposes. In other embodiments, the first and second pluralities of VTE fans 46, 52 may each be arranged in a linear manner or in a staggered manner along the lengths of the wings 24, 26, or further in any other suitable manner (such as a hybrid linear-staggered configuration).
Additionally, although not depicted in
Further, the exemplary propulsion system 32 depicted includes, a forward thrust propulsor 34 for generating forward (and optionally reverse) thrust during certain operations. For the embodiment depicted, the forward thrust propulsor 34 is mounted to the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 at the aft end 22 of the aircraft 10, and more specifically the forward thrust propulsor 34 is configured as a boundary layer ingestion fan for the embodiment shown. In such a manner, the forward thrust propulsor 34 may be configured in a similar manner as the forward thrust propulsor 34 described above with reference to
Additionally, as is depicted in phantom, in certain exemplary embodiments, the propulsion system 32 may further include one or more VTE fans 47 positioned elsewhere in the aircraft 10, such as in the fuselage 18 proximate the aft end 22 of the aircraft 10 as is depicted in phantom in the embodiment of
In other embodiments, however, still other configurations may be provided.
Referring now to
As is depicted, the exemplary method 300 includes at (302) modifying a variable component of the wing associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second variable component associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. In at least certain exemplary aspects, the first portion of vertical thrust electric fans may be one or more inner vertical thrust electric fans and the second portion of vertical thrust electric fans may be one or more outer vertical thrust electric fans (i.e., inner and outer relative to the fuselage). For example, when the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along the wing includes four vertical thrust electric fans, the first portion of vertical thrust electric fans may be a first and second vertical thrust electric fan and the second portion of vertical thrust electric fans may be a third and fourth vertical thrust electric fan.
More specifically, for the exemplary aspect depicted, modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component at (302) includes at (304) positioning the first variable component in a forward thrust position. More specifically, still, positioning the first variable component in the forward thrust position at (304) includes at (306) substantially completely enclosing the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans.
In addition, for the exemplary aspect depicted, modifying the first variable component relative to the second variable component at (302) further includes at (308) positioning the second variable component in a vertical thrust position. More specifically, for the exemplary aspect depicted, positioning the second variable component in the vertical thrust position at (308) includes at (310) substantially completely exposing the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans in the wing. (Notably, such a configuration may be similar to the configuration discussed above with reference to
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in certain exemplary aspects, the first variable component and second variable component may each be configured as part of a variable geometry assembly, such as one or more the exemplary variable geometry assemblies 116 described above. More specifically, in certain exemplary aspects, the first variable component of the wing may be a first partial wing assembly of a variable geometry assembly and the second variable component of the wing may be a second partial wing assembly of the variable geometry assembly. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the first variable component may be a first, forward partial wing assembly of a variable geometry assembly and the second variable component may be a second, forward partial wing assembly of the variable geometry assembly. With such an exemplary aspect, the first variable component/first, forward partial wing assembly may be spaced (e.g., sequentially) from the second variable component/second, forward partial wing assembly along a length of the wing (similar to the first and second forward partial wing assemblies 118A, 118B of
Notably, it will be appreciated that as used herein, the term “exposure ratio” refers to a relative exposure of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the of vertical thrust electric fans. For example, the exposure ratio may refer to a comparison of a total area of the first portion of vertical thrust electric fans which are not covered up by any portion of the wing (i.e., exposed) to a total area of the second portion of vertical thrust electric fans which are not covered by any portion of the wing (i.e., exposed).
Referring still to
By modifying an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans, the method 300 may provide increased control for the aircraft during vertical thrust operations. For example, modifying an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans may allow for the method 300 to provide an intermediate amount of vertical thrust during transitional operating conditions, such as transitioning from forward flight to vertical flight (e.g., during landings), transitioning from vertical flight to forward flight (e.g., during takeoffs), etc. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that such intermediate amount of vertical thrust may be provided by operating one portion of the vertical thrust electric fans at a relatively high power, and operating another portion of the vertical thrust electric fans at zero, or substantially zero, power (as compared to operating all vertical thrust electric fans at, e.g., half power), which may result in an overall more efficient operation as the vertical thrust electric fans may generally operate most efficiently closer to full power.
Moreover, as is shown in phantom in
Furthermore, referring still to the exemplary aspect of the method 300 depicted in
In certain exemplary aspects, modifying the first variable component of the port wing relative to the second variable component of the port wing at (318) may further include at (320) modifying the first variable component of the port wing relative to the second variable component of the port wing in conjunction with the modification of the first variable component of the starboard wing relative to the second variable component of the starboard wing at (302). For example, the method 300 may coordinate these modifications such that the exposure ratio of the first and second portions of the first plurality vertical thrust electric fans is substantially equal to the exposure ratio of the first and second portions of the second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. Alternatively, the method 300 may coordinate these modifications such that the exposure ratio of the first and second portions of the first plurality of vertical thrust electric fans is higher than or lower than the exposure ratio of the first and second portions of the second plurality vertical thrust electric fans in order to effectuate a maneuver of the aircraft (e.g., to bank towards a starboard side of the aircraft, or alternatively, to bank towards a port side of the aircraft).
Further, it will be appreciated that in at least certain exemplary embodiments, the aircraft may include more than two wings with VTE fans attached thereto or integrated therein. For example, in at least certain exemplary aspects, the starboard wing may be an aft starboard wing and the port wing may be an aft port wing. With such an exemplary aspect, the aircraft may further include a forward starboard wing and a forward port wing, each also extending from the fuselage at locations forward of the aft starboard wing and aft port wing. Further, with such a configuration, the propulsion system may further include a third plurality of vertical thrust electric fans (or at least one vertical thrust electric fan) arranged along the forward starboard wing, and a fourth plurality of vertical thrust electric fans (or at least one vertical thrust electric fan) arranged along the forward port wing. The forward port and starboard wings may include variable geometry components similar to the aft port and starboard wings. In such a manner, the method 300 may further include modifying a first variable geometry component of a forward wing (e.g., forward port or starboard wing) relative to a second variable geometry component of the respective forward wing to adjust an exposure ratio of a first portion of the respective plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second portion of the respective plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. Further, such a modification of the variable geometry components of the forward port or starboard wing may be in conjunction with a modification of the variable geometry components of the aft port or starboard wing (similar to the modifications made at (320) between the port and starboard aft wings). Such may facilitate further maneuvering of the aircraft (e.g., nose up/pulling back, nose down/diving, etc.).
Moreover, referring now to
As is depicted, the exemplary method 400 includes at (402) modifying a first variable component of the wing associated with a first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second variable component of the wing associated with a second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans to adjust an effective thrust profile of the first portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to an effective thrust profile of the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. It will be appreciated, that as used herein, the term “thrust profile” generally refers to an amount of thrust being generated by a given portion of vertical thrust electric fans in a given direction (e.g., along a vertical direction of the aircraft).
In certain exemplary aspects, modifying the first variable component of the wing relative to the second variable component of the wing at (402) may include modifying a variable geometry assembly in a manner to adjust an exposure ratio of the first portion of the plurality vertical thrust electric fans relative to the second portion of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans (see, e.g., the exemplary method 300 described above with reference to
However, for the exemplary aspect depicted in
More specifically, still, for the exemplary aspect depicted, the first variable component is a first diffusion assembly and the second variable component is a second diffusion assembly. The first and second diffusion assemblies may have any suitable configuration for being operable relative to one another. For example, in certain exemplary aspects, the exemplary method 400 may be utilized with a diffusion assembly configured in a similar manner as the exemplary diffusion assembly 126 described above with reference to
Referring back to the exemplary aspect shown in
It will be appreciated that operating a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in accordance with one or more of the exemplary aspects of the exemplary method 400 may allow for an increased degree of handling of the aircraft by being able to more precisely control an amount of thrust generated by the various portions of the plurality of vertical thrust electric fans arranged along a length of the wing of the aircraft.
Notably, as with the exemplary aspect described above with reference to
In certain exemplary aspects, modifying the first variable component of the port wing relative to the second variable component of the port wing at (410) may additionally include at (412) modifying the first variable component of the port wing relative to the second variable component of the port wing in conjunction with modifying at (402) the first variable component of the starboard wing relative to the second variable component of the starboard wing. For example, the method 400 may coordinate these modifications such that the thrust profiles of the first and second portions of the first plurality of vertical thrust electric fans is substantially equal to the thrust profiles of the first and second portions of the second plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. Alternatively, the method may coordinate these modifications such that the thrust profiles of the first and second portions of the first plurality of vertical thrust electric fans is higher than or lower than the thrust profiles of the first and second portions of the second plurality vertical thrust electric fans in order to effectuate a maneuver of the aircraft (e.g., to bank towards a starboard side of the aircraft, or alternatively, to bank towards a port side of the aircraft).
Further, it will be appreciated that in at least certain exemplary embodiments, the aircraft may include more than two wings with VTE fans attached thereto or integrated therein. For example, in at least certain exemplary aspects, the starboard wing may be an aft starboard wing and the port wing may be an aft port wing. With such an exemplary aspect, the aircraft may further include a forward starboard wing and a forward port wing, each also extending from the fuselage at locations forward of the aft starboard wing and aft port wing. Further, with such a configuration, the propulsion system may further include a third plurality of vertical thrust electric fans (or at least one vertical thrust electric fan) arranged along the forward starboard wing, and a fourth plurality of vertical thrust electric fans (or at least one vertical thrust electric fan) arranged along the forward port wing. The forward port and starboard wings may include variable geometry components similar to the aft port and starboard wings. In such a manner, the method 400 may further include modifying a first variable geometry component of a forward wing (e.g., forward port or starboard wing) relative to a second variable geometry component of the respective forward wing to adjust an effective thrust profile a first portion of the respective plurality of vertical thrust electric fans relative to a second portion of the respective plurality of vertical thrust electric fans. Further, such a modification of the variable geometry components of the forward port or starboard wing may be in conjunction with a modification of the variable geometry components of the aft port or starboard wing (similar to the modifications made at (412) between the port and starboard aft wings). Such may facilitate further maneuvering of the aircraft (e.g., nose up/pulling back, nose down/diving, etc.).
Notably, however, it will be appreciated that in other exemplary aspects the present disclosure, any other suitable method may be provided for operating a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
The present application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/535,444, filed on Jul. 21, 2017.
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