An apparatus for improving heat transfer through a leading portion of an aircraft engine. The apparatus includes an annular channel that is defined by the leading portion. A source for gas that is fluidly connected to the channel and a narrow region that is defined within the annular channel.

An apparatus for improving heat transfer through a leading portion of an aircraft engine. The apparatus includes a wall that is defined by the leading portion. A surface is defined by the wall and the surface defines a channel through the leading portion of the aircraft engine. A source for a fluid that is fluidly connected to the channel. Pits are defined in the surface of the channel such that the bleed air can flow across the pits.

Apparatus for improving flow characteristics around aircraft wings by obstructing air flow through an aperture formed in a wing skin for a movable duct or track are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substantially rigid panel movable at least partially across the aperture for at least partially occluding the aperture and for accommodating movement of a slat track extending through the aperture. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hinged panel configured to swing outwardly from an outer side of the wing skin toward an open position to accommodate movement of an anti-icing duct extending through the aperture and to swing toward a closed position at least partially occluding the aperture.

Apparatus for improving flow characteristics around aircraft wings by obstructing air flow through an aperture formed in a wing skin for a movable duct or track are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substantially rigid panel movable at least partially across the aperture for at least partially occluding the aperture and for accommodating movement of a slat track extending through the aperture. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hinged panel configured to swing outwardly from an outer side of the wing skin toward an open position to accommodate movement of an anti-icing duct extending through the aperture and to swing toward a closed position at least partially occluding the aperture.

An assembly includes a first enclosed flexible pressure chamber. A first extension arm extends from a first endwall of the first enclosed flexible pressure chamber. A second enclosed flexible pressure chamber includes a second extension arm extending from a second endwall of the second enclosed flexible pressure chamber. A lever arm is disposed on a pivot. A first end of the lever arm is attached to the first extension arm and a second end of the lever arm is attached to the second extension arm. A variable restriction element is connected to the second end of the lever arm.

An assembly includes a first enclosed flexible pressure chamber. A first extension arm extends from a first endwall of the first enclosed flexible pressure chamber. A second enclosed flexible pressure chamber includes a second extension arm extending from a second endwall of the second enclosed flexible pressure chamber. A lever arm is disposed on a pivot. A first end of the lever arm is attached to the first extension arm and a second end of the lever arm is attached to the second extension arm. A variable restriction element is connected to the second end of the lever arm.

A method of providing ice protection on a surface of an aircraft using exhaust air from a laminar flow control compressor. An aircraft structure, for example a wing, includes a skin. The skin has an external surface, on an outer face of the skin. The skin has an internal surface, located opposite the external surface on an inner face of the skin. The aircraft structure includes a laminar flow control system including a compressor. The aircraft structure is so arranged that the exhaust air from the compressor is directed onto the internal surface of the skin of the aircraft structure, for example thus providing hot exhaust air which function as an ice protection system (whether by de-icing or anti-icing).

A method of providing ice protection on a surface of an aircraft using exhaust air from a laminar flow control compressor. An aircraft structure, for example a wing, includes a skin. The skin has an external surface, on an outer face of the skin. The skin has an internal surface, located opposite the external surface on an inner face of the skin. The aircraft structure includes a laminar flow control system including a compressor. The aircraft structure is so arranged that the exhaust air from the compressor is directed onto the internal surface of the skin of the aircraft structure, for example thus providing hot exhaust air which function as an ice protection system (whether by de-icing or anti-icing).

A heat recovery system for an engine having an exhaust nozzle whereby exhaust gas is expelled, the heat recovery system comprising a steam generator that supplies hot vaporized coolant to a turbine generator which creates electrical energy. The electrical energy is used to power air compressors that supply clean outside air to the passenger compartment of the aircraft.

Disclosed is an ice protection system for an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft, a surface having a flow facing side and an inwardly facing side that opposes the flow facing side, the system having: a perforated sheet configured for disposal in the surface; a heating source connected to the perforated sheet; and a suction source disposed to draw ice melted by the heating source through the perforated sheet and heating source.