Patent · US Active

Rotorcraft having increased altitude density ceiling

US10513982B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
14References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 22, 2017
Grant dateDec 24, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T90/40
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A rotorcraft has a low density altitude flight mode and a high density altitude flight mode. The rotorcraft includes a turboshaft engine forming a gas path in sequence through an air inlet section, a compressor section, a combustor section, a turbine section and an exhaust section. A drive system is coupled to the engine and is operable responsive to rotation of at least a portion of the turbine section. A rotor is coupled to the drive system and is operable to receive torque and rotational energy therefrom. A fuel injection system supplies fuel to the combustor section. An oxidizer injection system and a coolant injection system are used to selectively inject an oxidizer and a coolant into the gas path when it is desired to operate the rotorcraft in the high density altitude flight mode, thereby increasing the altitude density ceiling of the rotorcraft for maneuvers including takeoffs and landings.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.