Propulsion system

Propulsion system

Keywords Aircraft,Lockheed Corporation, Patents, Propulsion

In world patent 9505 307 Lockheed Corporation describes a propulsion system for lighter than air vehicles. The system includes a pylon having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The first end of the pylon is rotatably mounted to the vehicle, the second end extending outward from the vehicle. The pylon is rotatable about the first end in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A thrust-producing assembly is mounted on the second end of the pylon and is rotatable about an axis of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pylon. A power plant assembly is coupled to the thrust-producing assemblies to provide power. An actuation system is provided for rotating the assembly about the axis of rotation. A second actuation system is provided for rotating the pylon about the first end. The system provides manoeuvrability and thrust vectoring control.