3X multi-engine jet configuration and method of operation
OwnerRichard J. Baconinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A centerline mounted overbalanced multiple main jet engine configuration. The multiple jet engines are centerline mounted rather than parallel offset. While each jet engine is a "main" engine, capable of safely operating the aircraft in the event of a failure of the other engines, the engines are overbalanced in the sense that at least one of the main engines has substantially greater thrust than the other main engines. All of the main engines operate at critical periods of flight, but only one or the other of the main engines operates at other periods. The configuration of this invention combines the efficiency and performance of a single engined aircraft with enhanced safety advantages.
Claims18
A method of operating an aircraft comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a first jet engine having a thrust adequate to takeoff, climb, cruise, and land the aircraft at full gross weight, and providing a second jet engine having a thrust greater than the thrust of the first jet engine, whereby each of the first and second jet engines is a "main" engine;
- (b) during take-off and climb, running the first jet engine and running the second jet engine and
- (c) during ordinary operational cruise, running one of the first and second jet engines and shutting down the other engine.
A method of configuring an aircraft having a centerline along its longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a first jet engine having a thrust adequate to takeoff, climb, cruise, and land the aircraft at full gross weight, and providing a second jet engine having a thrust greater than the thrust of the first jet engine, whereby each of the first and second jet engines is a "main" engine,
- (b) mounting the first jet engine within a plane vertical to the centerline, and mounting the second jet engine within the plane vertical to the centerline.
A method of configuring and operating an aircraft having a centerline along its longitudinal axis, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a first jet engine having a thrust adequate to takeoff, climb, cruise, and land the aircraft at full gross weight, and providing a second jet engine having a thrust greater than the thrust of the first jet engine, whereby each of the first and second jet engines is a "main" engine,
- (b) mounting the first jet engine within a plane vertical to the centerline, and mounting the second jet engine within the plane vertical to the centerline
- (c) during take-off and climb, running both the first and second jet engines, and
- (d) during ordinary operational cruise, running one of the first and second jet engines and shutting down the other engine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.