The Hybrid Fan Vectored Thrust Engine

A propulsion system concept with particular application to supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter/attack aircraft has been developed. The concept comprises a variable cycle engine, combining the advantages of a vectored thrust turbofan for takeoff, landing, and subsonic flight with those of a mixed augmented turbofan for high performance and supersonic flight. The system incorporates features and characteristics which have proved both practical and successful on the AV-8 (Harrier), and is potentially an attractive solution.