Multi-Functional Nozzle For Advanced Weapon Systems

Over the past decade the performance requirements placed on advanced weapon systems has increased significantly. These requirements are aimed at increased operational capability and result in the necessity to improve both the component efficiencies and operational characteristics of the weapon system components. From the standpoint of the exhaust system component, the requirements for greater operational capability have placed more emphasis on both engine/airframe integration and nozzle flexibility. Design studies have shown that in order to meet the future capabilities of the advanced weapon systems, multi-functional exhaust nozzle systems with thrust reversing and thrust vectoring capability will be necessary. In addition, exhaust nozzle functions, in all probability, will be shared by both the engine and aircraft control systems. Advanced technology exhaust system development status, including full scale and model scale test results, will be discussed in this paper.