Patent ID: 8511058
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: F02C

Abstract:
1. A convertible gas turbine propulsion system operable in multiple output modes, the propulsion system comprising: a gas generator for producing exhaust gas; a gas generator turbine driven by the exhaust gas; a first power turbine aligned in series with the gas generator turbine to receive the exhaust gas; a primary propulsion system coupled to the first power turbine and configured to produce thrust in a first axial direction; a secondary propulsion system in series with the gas generator turbine and the first power turbine, such that the propulsion system is configured to direct airflow in series through the gas generator turbine, the first power turbine and the secondary propulsion system, wherein the secondary propulsion system is configured to produce thrust in a second axial direction transverse to the first axial direction; an exhaust duct coaxially extending from the first power turbine to the secondary propulsion system to direct exhaust gas into the secondary propulsion system; an exhaust port positioned within the exhaust duct between the first power turbine and the secondary propulsion system; and a retractable annular cowling for selectively opening the exhaust port to ambient air pressure axially between the first power turbine and the secondary propulsion system to permit exhaust gas to bypass the secondary propulsion system, the entire retractable annular cowling being axially displaceable from a first position axially spanning the exhaust port to a second position axially adjacent the exhaust duct.