Reduced radar cross section exhaust nozzle assembly

Abstract

An exhaust nozzle assembly includes a plurality of interfitting flap assemblies that are moveable between a maximum area ratio and a minimum area ratio. Each of the pluralities of flap assemblies includes a slot and a wing. The wing fits within an adjacent slot of an adjacent flap assembly. Each of the flap assemblies includes a divergent element that provides a specific geometric shape forming the trailing edge surfaces. The flap element is attached to the divergent element and extends to a static structure. The flap element and the divergent element combine to form a continuous faceted outer surface of the exhaust nozzle assembly substantially void of gaps throughout the range of motion between the maximum and minimum area ratios.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.