Patent ID: 7510139
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: B64C,Y02T

Abstract:
1. An aircraft comprising: an airframe having a fuselage extending between a forward end and an aft end; a power plant mounted on the airframe producing exhaust during operation thereof; a stoppable rotor/wing including a plurality of blades connected to a drive shaft rotatably mounted on the airframe, wherein the plurality of blades are positioned for providing thrust, lift, or both for selectively facilitating aircraft hover or forward flight; and a radial inflow turbine mounted on said airframe in fluid communication with said power plant for receiving exhaust from the power plant, said turbine including: an aft outlet downstream from said inlet; a chamber outlet downstream from said vortical chamber; and a valve positioned adjacent to said inlet, the valve selectively allowing the exhaust to pass through the turbine to the aft outlet or diverting the exhaust through the vortical chamber and out of the chamber outlet.