Doggzilla
Well-Known Member
Instead of running complex fans or additional lift turbines, how about just supplying compressed air and having a combustion can at the nozzle?
The air supply systems themselves are very well proven in aircraft with blown wings and flaps, like the F-104 and even a C-130 was once equipped with blown flaps.
But instead of going to the flaps it goes to nozzles with the combustors at the nozzles.
Many modern engines are designed to reach normal compression at cruise altitude and have to throttle back at low altitudes to avoid overheating the turbines from over compression.
But if a bypass was made at an intermediate stage this over compression could be avoided by diverting the air to lift burners.
The burners would be surrounded by a thrust augmentor tube to improve efficiency, reduce exhaust temps, and avoid cooking any nearby components.
Most turbines have enough excess air to burn 3 or 4 times the fuel if they could withstand the temperatures. So I have no doubt they can provide enough air for lift cans to function.
Now, controlling them is an entire different story. Would very likely need independent nozzle control.
The air supply systems themselves are very well proven in aircraft with blown wings and flaps, like the F-104 and even a C-130 was once equipped with blown flaps.
But instead of going to the flaps it goes to nozzles with the combustors at the nozzles.
Many modern engines are designed to reach normal compression at cruise altitude and have to throttle back at low altitudes to avoid overheating the turbines from over compression.
But if a bypass was made at an intermediate stage this over compression could be avoided by diverting the air to lift burners.
The burners would be surrounded by a thrust augmentor tube to improve efficiency, reduce exhaust temps, and avoid cooking any nearby components.
Most turbines have enough excess air to burn 3 or 4 times the fuel if they could withstand the temperatures. So I have no doubt they can provide enough air for lift cans to function.
Now, controlling them is an entire different story. Would very likely need independent nozzle control.