Systems and methods for expanding an operating speed range of a high speed flight vehicle

A nozzle assembly for a flight vehicle having an engine, the nozzle assembly comprising:

• a cowl in fluidic communication with the engine, the cowl including a cowl internal surface defining a cowl orifice;
• a plug defining a primary thrust surface, wherein the plug is supported relative to the cowl so that a portion of the primary thrust surface is disposed within the cowl orifice, wherein the primary thrust surface of the plug and the cowl internal surface are spaced to define a throat;
• and
• an actuator coupled to at least one of the cowl or the plug, the actuator configured to generate relative movement between the cowl and the plug, thereby to modify the throat.

A method of providing thrust to a flight vehicle having an engine and an airframe, the method comprising:

• providing a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprising:
• a cowl in fluidic communication with the engine, the cowl including a cowl internal surface defining a cowl orifice;
• and
• a plug defining a primary thrust surface, wherein the plug is supported by the airframe relative to the cowl so that a portion of the primary thrust surface is disposed within the cowl orifice, wherein the primary thrust surface of the plug and the cowl internal surface are spaced to define a throat;
• and
• generating relative movement between the cowl and the plug, thereby to modify the throat.