Snecma Moteurs

Yann Laugier

Michel Franchet

Jean M Loisy

A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having means for producing exhaust gas and a gas exhaust nozzle for generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one separate auxiliary propulsion assembly dissociated from said engine, having no gas generator, and capable of generating thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic flight speeds. The system further comprises gas flow tapping means movable between a position in which they tap off at least a fraction of the exhaust gas produced by said engine and feed it to said propulsion assembly to enable it to generate thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, and a position in which the gas produced by the engine is directed solely to the engine nozzle for supersonic cruising flight.

Variable cycle propulsion system with gas tapping for a supersonic airplane, and a method of operation

A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having at least one compressor and capable of generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one auxiliary propulsion assembly separate from said engine, and capable of generating additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising speeds, at least one pipe connecting the engine to the auxiliary propulsion assembly to convey thereto compressed air produced by the compressor so as to enable the auxiliary propulsion assembly to generate additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, there being at least one valve enabling the pipe to be closed off for supersonic cruising flight.

Variable cycle propulsion system with compressed air tapping for a supersonic airplane

A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane comprises at least one engine capable of generating thrust for flight at supersonic speeds together with at least one auxiliary propulsion assembly that is separate from the engine and that is capable of generating additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and flight at subsonic speeds. The auxiliary propulsion assembly does not have a gas generator and means are provided for transmitting a fraction of the mechanical power produced by the engine to the auxiliary propulsion assembly in order to enable it to generate the additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight. Means are provided for decoupling the mechanical transmission means for supersonic cruising flight.

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Noiseau, France

Yann Laugier