Vehicle

US6648270B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Lockheed Martin Corporation · US

Inventors

• Edward L. Burnett · Bay City, US
• John W. Vinson · Cincinnati, US
• Brian Quayle · Lancaster, US
• Michael C. Carter · Palmdale, US
• Kenneth Gousman · Palmdale, US
• Scott Wan Weelden · Lancaster, US
• Steven P. Ericson · Lancaster, US
• Stephen G. Justice · Santa Clarita, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 7, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 18, 2003
• Expiry date: Aug 7, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60V1/08
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed having a hull with a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis, the hull further having front end and rear ends and first and second sides. A turbofan engine mounted in said hull, said engine having an exhaust duct. First and second front exhaust nozzles are mounted on the first and second sides of the front end of the hull. First and second rear exhaust nozzles are coupled to the first and second sides of said hull at said rear. All of the exhaust nozzles are rotatable from a vertically downward position to at least a partially horizontal direction and incorporating shudders to adjust the flow rate of exhaust gas from said turbofan engine therethrough. A duct system for coupling the exhaust duct of the turbofan engine to all of the nozzles.