Patent ID: 8240125
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: B64C,F02K,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for thrust vectoring a primary fluid flow from a jet engine, the method comprising: providing a nozzle through which the primary fluid flow flows when existing the jet engine; forming a flight control surface adjacent a downstream edge of said nozzle, the flight control surface being formed to include an airfoil that projects out beyond a downstream edge of the nozzle; providing the airfoil with a fixed component and a flap disposed at a downstream end of the fixed component, and coupled pivotally to the fixed component for movement relative to the fixed component, the fixed component being at least partially disposed within the nozzle; and generating a secondary fluid flow through an interior area of a portion of said airfoil such that said secondary fluid flow flows through at least one opening in said fixed component of the airfoil in a manner to generate a force on a boundary layer of said primary fluid flow flowing over said airfoil and said flap, to controllably enhance and inhibit separation of said primary fluid flow relative to said flap to control thrust vectoring of said primary fluid.