Aerodynamically Actuated Thrust Vectoring Device

The thrust actuating device includes several innovations in the aerodynamically stable tilt actuation of propellers, propeller pylons, jets, wings, and fuselages, collectively called propulsors. The propulsors rotate between hover and forward flight mode for a tilt-wing or tilt-rotor aircraft. A vehicle designed using this technology can transition from a hovering flight condition to a wing born flight condition with no mechanical actuation and can do so without complex control systems. This results in a reduction in system weight and complexity and produces a robust and naturally stable hovering aircraft with efficient forward flight modes. NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a thrust-actuating device for a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. The technology is unique because no mechanically driven actuation is required to transition from hover flight to wing born flight. The result is lower empty weight and robust aircraft that has a benign response to wind gusts and shear. In addition, the aircraft fuselage can be designed for exceptional pilot visibility.