22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-5.3.R1

THRUST VECTORING NOZZLE FOR MILITARY AIRCRAFT ENGINES

D. Ikaza, P.R. Zarda, C. G. Ruiz
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Keywords: thrust vectoring nozzle, military aircraft

Even though Thrust Vectoring is a relatively new technology, it has been talked about for some time, and several programmes worldwide have explored its application and benefits. Thrust Vectoring can provide modern military aircraft with a number of advantages regarding performance and survivability, all of which has an influence upon Life Cycle Cost. There are several types of Thrust Vectoring Nozzles. For example, there are 2-D and 3-D Thrust Vectoring Nozzles. The ITP Nozzle is a 3-D Vectoring Nozzle. Also, there are different ways to achieve the deflection of the gas jet: the most efficient one is by mechanically deflecting the divergent section only, hence minimizing the effect on the engine upstream of the throat (sonic) section. The ITP concept consists of a patented design featuring the so-called “Three-Ring-System”, which allows all nozzle functions to be performed with a minimum number of actuators, which, in turn, leads to an optimized mass and overall engine efficiency. ITP has dedicated a research programme on Thrust Vectoring technology which started back in 1991, and which met an important milestone as is the ground testing of a prototype nozzle at ITP. The next major goal will be the realisation of a flight programme, in order to validate the system in flight, and evaluate the capabilities and performance of the system as a means of primary flight control. A decisive contribution is being done by ITP’s partner company MTU of Munich, Germany, by developing the electronic Control System. This programme is making the Thrust Vectoring technology available in Europe for existing military aircraft such as Eurofighter, in which the introduction of Thrust Vectoring could be carried out with a relatively small number of changes to the aircraft and to the engine, and could provide it with significant enhancements.

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