A thrust reverser including doors and at least one flexible deflector obstructing a lateral opening of the thrust reverser when the doors are open. Such a deflector allows better controlling the airflows in thrust reverser configuration and maximizing the counter-thrust force.

A thrust reverser including doors and at least one flexible deflector obstructing a lateral opening of the thrust reverser when the doors are open. Such a deflector allows better controlling the airflows in thrust reverser configuration and maximizing the counter-thrust force.

A rotorcraft having an aerodynamic device arranged below a rotor, which rotor participates at least in providing lift for the rotorcraft, the rotor being mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation, the aerodynamic device having a fairing provided with at least one air inlet for enabling a stream of cool air to flow from a region that is situated outside the rotorcraft to another region that is situated inside, the air inlet being delimited by an outer peripheral portion of the fairing. In accordance with the invention, the aerodynamic device has a perforated plate provided with at least one perforation, the perforation being suitable for allowing the stream of cool air to pass through it, the perforated plate having at least one main portion shaped to match an outer shape of the outer peripheral portion of said fairing.

A rotorcraft having an aerodynamic device arranged below a rotor, which rotor participates at least in providing lift for the rotorcraft, the rotor being mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation, the aerodynamic device having a fairing provided with at least one air inlet for enabling a stream of cool air to flow from a region that is situated outside the rotorcraft to another region that is situated inside, the air inlet being delimited by an outer peripheral portion of the fairing. In accordance with the invention, the aerodynamic device has a perforated plate provided with at least one perforation, the perforation being suitable for allowing the stream of cool air to pass through it, the perforated plate having at least one main portion shaped to match an outer shape of the outer peripheral portion of said fairing.

A power system for an aircraft engine provides rotational drive to propeller driven and turbofan jet engine powered aircraft by use of a propeller or fan drive motor. Electrical power is provided to the drive motor by a high efficiency electrical power generator with reduced electromagnetic drag or reverse torque. The electric generator utilizes a solid state rotor that does not rotate which allows for power generation without reverse torque or the usual energy required to rotate the rotor inside the stator of the generator. Only the magnetic poles of the disclosed rotor rotate to generate the power. The fan blades of the turbofan jet engine are driven by the electric drive motor in which the rotor is a part of the fan as well as the drive from the high pressure turbine.

A power system for an aircraft engine provides rotational drive to propeller driven and turbofan jet engine powered aircraft by use of a propeller or fan drive motor. Electrical power is provided to the drive motor by a high efficiency electrical power generator with reduced electromagnetic drag or reverse torque. The electric generator utilizes a solid state rotor that does not rotate which allows for power generation without reverse torque or the usual energy required to rotate the rotor inside the stator of the generator. Only the magnetic poles of the disclosed rotor rotate to generate the power. The fan blades of the turbofan jet engine are driven by the electric drive motor in which the rotor is a part of the fan as well as the drive from the high pressure turbine.

Presently disclosed subject matter integrates a method of using thousands of semi-autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles, herein called drones, to deliver vastly superior amounts of fire retardant over substantially larger and variably-shaped drop patterns. Each drone is able to swap its own batteries with freshly charged batteries and each drone is able to refill its container with water or fire retardant. Once launched, a swarm of drones can perform repeated trips from the water/retardant source to the fire without human involvement other than the high-level tasking of where to drop the retardant. Once a general drop destination and drop pattern shape is designated, the swarm can transport retardant to that location, form itself into the desired drop shape, and deploy retardant. The drone body is designed to be modular so different components can be attached with ease and no special training or knowledge required.

Presently disclosed subject matter integrates a method of using thousands of semi-autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles, herein called drones, to deliver vastly superior amounts of fire retardant over substantially larger and variably-shaped drop patterns. Each drone is able to swap its own batteries with freshly charged batteries and each drone is able to refill its container with water or fire retardant. Once launched, a swarm of drones can perform repeated trips from the water/retardant source to the fire without human involvement other than the high-level tasking of where to drop the retardant. Once a general drop destination and drop pattern shape is designated, the swarm can transport retardant to that location, form itself into the desired drop shape, and deploy retardant. The drone body is designed to be modular so different components can be attached with ease and no special training or knowledge required.

A latch mechanism configured to engage a mating pin is disclosed. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism includes a latch frame; a latch arm pivotally mounted to the latch frame at a pivot axis; and a bias member configured to apply a load to the latch arm in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the pivot axis and to bias the latch arm from rotating in a first rotational direction about the pivot axis and from rotating away from the mating pin.

An aircraft defines a longitudinal direction and includes a fuselage extending between a forward end and an aft end along the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. An aft engine is mounted to the aft end of the fuselage. The aft engine further includes a nacelle including a forward section. An airflow duct extends at least partially through the nacelle of the aft engine and defines an outlet on the forward section of the nacelle for providing an airflow to the forward section of the nacelle.