Engine attachment apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus 100 has a support frame 102 and an engine mounting arrangement. In use, the support structure may be suspended externally below a modular aircraft’s fuselage 16, extending longitudinally, using a fuselage mounting arrangement. A modular aircraft may have different sets of support frames and propulsion systems 10 with an engine 32, a respective set can be removed, and swapped for a different set, when installed the engine is suspended from the respective support frame. Preferably, the support frame is located above, and rearward of, a central wing structure 20 of the aircraft; stiffness of the support frame relative to part of the fuselage configured to reduce force transmission between the fuselage and engine. The engine mounting arrangement may have vibration isolation mounts, and U-shaped front 144, and rear 146, engine mounts. Preferably, the fuselage mounting arrangement includes frame members 104,106 which are secured to fuselage clevis brackets 108,110. Frame members are spaced apart near lateral sides of the support frame, and include a number of front 104a,104b, and rear 106a,106b, frame members, near to the respective engine mounts. Figures 1 & 4B