Outlet device for a jet engine

#The present invention refers to an outlet device for a jet engine, including an outlet channel, which defines a main flow direction for a jet from the jet engine, wherein the outlet channel has an upstream end for being connected to the jet engine and a downstream end, wherein the outlet channel in the proximity of the downstream end has an elongated shape, seen in the flow direction, and includes at least two outlet portions, which are separated from each other, for a respective outlet flow of said jet. The invention also refers to an aircraft including a jet engine.

#Typical aeroplanes, which are driven by one or several jet engines, beside the forward wings today frequently have a tail portion with a fin and two stabilising wings. On the fin a side rudder is normally provided for the steering of the aeroplane in a lateral direction. On the stabilising wings, or in certain cases on the main wings for instance on so called delta wings, elevators are provided for the steering of the aeroplane in a vertical direction. Such a tail portion involves a complicated design work for obtaining the desired aerodynamic properties and manoeuvring possibilities of the aeroplane. It is in certain cases desired to have a tail portion which has a more simple design. Furthermore, the manoeuvring possibilities which may be obtained by such conventional rudders may be experienced to be insufficient, in particular if the aeroplane is propelled at a low speed.

#By jet engine it is, in the present application, referred to all available jet engines, such as turbo jet engines, double jet engines, turbo fan engines, ram-jet engines, pulse-jet engines, rocket engines etc.

#The present invention is now to be explained more closely by a description of different embodiments and with reference to the drawings attached.

#FIG. 1 discloses a view from above of a tail portion of an aircraft with an outlet device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 discloses a side view of the outlet device.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose a tail portion of an aircraft 1. The aircraft 1 includes a partly indicated jet engine 2, which is arranged to produce a jet for the propelling of the aircraft 1. The jet engine 2 connects to an outlet channel 3, which has an upstream end 3′ in the proximity of the jet engine 2 and a downstream end 3″, the outlet channel 3 defines a main flow direction a for the jet. The upstream end 3′ of the outlet channel 3, which connects to the jet engine 2, preferably has a substantially circular shape, seen in a section across the flow direction a. At the downstream end 3″, the outlet channel 3 has an elongated shape seen in a section across the flow direction a.

#At the downstream end 3″, the outlet channel 3 is divided into three outlet portions lying beside each other, and more exactly a central outlet portion 4 and two lateral outlet portions 5, 6, which are arranged at a respective side of the central outlet portion 4. The outlet portions 4-6 are separated from each other by means of two wall portions 7 and 8, which extend in the flow direction a and substantially vertically in a normal operation position of the aircraft 1. The wall portions 7 and 8 have an aerodynamic design and thus permit a splitting of the jet in three separate outlet flows.

#Each of the outlet portions 4-6 disclosed includes means for controlling the outlet direction of the respective outlet flow. However, it is to be noted that such control means does not necessarily need to be provided for the central outlet portion 4, but this outlet portion 4 may be arranged to convey its outlet substantially straight rearwardly in the main flow direction a in all operation positions.