Inlet and Nozzle Technology for 21st Century Fighter Aircraft

Abstract

The focus of propulsion integration technology in the 21st century will be economy. USAF inlet and nozzle technology goals translate into 50% weight reduction and 25% acquisition cost reduction metrics for new aircraft system. Innovative technology to enable these reductions over current state-of-the-art systems in weight and cost is required. For inlet systems, compact diffusers that reduce system volume by 50% will demand fewer parts and improved aerodynamic performance. Exhaust systems will be fixed with fewer parts, requiring a technology like fluidics, for example, to provide area control and thrust vectoring capabilities. Cooperative programs for both inlet and nozzle systems are in place to insure that technologies required to meet weight and cost reduction goals are matured by the year 2000.