Aircraft air inlet diverter assemblies with improved aerodynamic characteristics

Abstract

Diverter assemblies 12 for aircraft air inlets 10 include a diverter structure at least substantially surrounding the air inlet, and a fairing 20 mounted to an upper edge of the diverter structure forwardly of the air inlet.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is based on and claims domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 580,969, filed December 28, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference explicitly incorporated. technical field [0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to aircraft inlet structures, and more particularly, to aircraft fuselage inlets provided with flow splitter structures having improved aerodynamic properties. Background technique [0004] Commercial aircraft (e.g., regional jets) are often equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) that supplies electronics and onboard electrical equipment, avionics, main engine air starters, Different aircraft systems such as air conditioning units provide shaft power and aerodynamic power. Conventional APUs are small gas turbine engines usually located in the tail of the aircraft, in the wing roots of t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While this existing proposal appears to provide reduced fuel consumption and noise, there are a number of technical problems associated with the proposal

First, the proposal is a higher cost solution due to the mechanical actuators required to open and close the door

Second, the solution is not straightforward due to the electrical or pneumatic systems required to install and power the actuators

Third, there is a higher impact on aircraft weight as compared to the fixed splitters that already exist and are installed on many commercial aircraft

Last and probably most importantly, due to system complexity, there can be aircraft dispatch reliability issues in the event of failure of a component associated with the movable door

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