Development of Thrust Augmentation Technology for the Pegasus Vectored Thrust Engine

Front nozzle thrust augmentation, on lift/cruise engines like the Pegasus, could greatly improve the range and load carrying capacity of Harrier/AV-8B type VTOL aircraft and is essential for supersonic derivations. However its introduction requires several new technologies to be developed for the augmentor itself, for the augmentor and engine control system and to cater for various potentially adverse ground effects and related matters. These are the subject of a number of current research and development programmes which will lead to an engine demonstration of an advanced augmentor.