AIRFRAME-INTEGRATED PROPELLER-DRIVEN PROPULSION SYSTEMS

摘要

Propeller-driven craft (e.g., aircraft) are provided with at least one propulsion system having at least one engine and at least one aerial tractor propeller which generates a propeller propwash airflow when driven by the engine. At least one airfoil is disposed in the propeller propwash airflow of the at least one aerial tractor propeller. The airfoil is contoured and oriented relative to a swirl rotation angle (ω) of the propeller propwash airflow in order to induce a forward force component on the craft in response to the propeller propwash airflow over the at least one airfoil, thus improving the craft's performance and/or reducing fuel consumption.

主权项

1. A propeller-driven craft comprising:
at least one propulsion system comprised of at least one engine and at least one aerial tractor propeller which generates a propeller propwash airflow when driven by the engine; and at least one airfoil disposed in the propeller propwash airflow of the at least one aerial tractor propeller, wherein the at least one airfoil is contoured and oriented relative to a swirl rotation angle (ω) of the propeller propwash airflow in order to induce a forward force component on the craft in response to the propeller propwash airflow over the at least one airfoil.