Modular Aircraft Engine Mounting for Interchangeable Propulsion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current military jet trainer aircraft require multiple aircraft types for different training phases, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for separate designs and certifications for different engine sizes and models, as well as the inability to modify primary structural elements without significant redesign and re-certification.
Innovation Solution
A modular jet trainer aircraft design where the propulsion system is externally mounted on the fuselage, allowing for easy reconfiguration by swapping engines and wing assemblies without altering the primary structural support, thus enabling the use of various engine sizes without redesigning the fuselage or propulsion unit, and maintaining alignment and load transfer through discrete mounting assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the propulsion system is integrated within the fuselage's primary structure, then the aircraft maintains structural integrity and load transfer pathways, but the aircraft cannot accommodate different engine sizes and models without significant redesign and re-certification of the primary structure
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is extracted from the fuselage's primary structure and mounted externally using a dedicated propulsion system support frame. This allows the primary structure to remain unchanged while accommodating different engine sizes and models, eliminating the need for redesign and re-certification of safety-critical structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft structure is segmented into primary structure (fuselage, wings, tail) and a separate propulsion system support frame. This segmentation allows independent modification of the propulsion system without affecting the primary structure, enabling versatility while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different aircraft types are purchased for different training phases, then the training requirements are met, but the costs and inefficiencies increase due to separate designs and certifications
Solution Approach 1:
A single aircraft fuselage is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of accommodating different engine sizes and configurations through the external propulsion system support frame. This allows one aircraft to serve multiple training phases, reducing the need to purchase and maintain multiple different aircraft types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the propulsion system is mounted externally, then the primary structure remains unchanged for different engines, but the mounting system must transfer all propulsion loads without transferring them through the aerodynamic housing
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is extracted from the fuselage and mounted on a dedicated support frame that is structurally independent from the aerodynamic housing. This ensures that all propulsion loads are transferred through the mounting system to the primary structure, not through the aerodynamic housing, maintaining structural integrity while enabling engine interchangeability.
4Power
If the primary structure is modified to accommodate larger engines, then the aircraft performance is improved, but significant design and certification costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is extracted from the primary structure and mounted externally, allowing larger engines to be accommodated without modifying the primary structure. This eliminates the need for expensive redesign and re-certification of safety-critical structural elements while still improving aircraft performance through increased engine thrust.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide a modular jet trainer aircraft (1) which can be reconfigured to provide a plurality of different handling aircraft which will be particularly beneficial in the training of pilots. For example, the present invention provides a base structure on which elements can be changed in order to alter the handling capabilities, manoeuvrability and power of the aircraft. The aircraft may have a first basic configuration (1) which enables a pilot to learn relatively basic handling skills. The propulsions system and/or wing structures can then be changed to provide an aircraft (11) with more sophisticated handling and greater power capabilities. The invention involves the engine (17) being located fully outside the fuselage structure (14) whilst still being positioned on the centre-line of the fuselage (14) and with the engine's line of thrust directed through the centre of the fuselage and close to the aircraft's centre of gravity. By achieving this, the expensive design of the fuselage as primary or airworthy-critical structure can be completed independently from the installation of the engine.