Passive flow control aero-optical turret assembly
US5775643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides an aero-optical turret assembly that provides high Strehl ratios throughout a wide range of azimuthal look angles. The turret assembly includes a duct extending from aft of the turret to a location aft of an aerodynamic bulge of the turret assembly. During flight, a low pressure zone is formed at the exit end of the duct, aft of the aerodynamic bulge. This low pressure zone causes suction of air from the inlet of the duct, and therefore away from the outer surfaces of the aero-optical turret. By judiciously selecting the shape of the aerodynamic bulge, and the size and location of the inlet end of the duct, substantially all turbulent air can be removed from around the adjacent outer surfaces of the aero-optical turret, thereby removing the source of interference with electromagnetic radiation passing through the window of the turret at azimuthal look angles greater than +60.degree.. In accordance with the invention, a high Strehl ratio can be obtained for azimuthal look angles in the range from about +120.degree. to about -120.degree..
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.