Maximizing Vertical Lift: VTOL Engine Designs in Fighter Jets

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the fuel consumption of the Harrier aircraft, specifically when utilizing its Pegasus turbofan engine for vertical takeoff and hovering. Participants agree that the Harrier's fuel consumption is significantly higher during hover compared to forward flight, primarily due to aerodynamic inefficiencies. The Harrier can hover for extended periods under certain conditions, but fuel limitations and engine temperature management are critical factors. Additionally, the use of water injection helps manage engine temperature, allowing for better performance during takeoff with heavy payloads.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Pegasus turbofan engine specifications
  • Knowledge of fuel consumption metrics in aviation
  • Basic principles of aerodynamics related to hovering and thrust
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the fuel consumption rates of the Harrier during various flight modes
  • Explore the impact of water injection on engine performance in VTOL aircraft
  • Study the aerodynamic principles affecting hover efficiency in aircraft
  • Investigate the design and operational differences between the Harrier and conventional fighter jets
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, military aviation enthusiasts, and anyone involved in the design or operation of VTOL aircraft will benefit from this discussion.

  • #31
The Harrier has less structural fuel capacity than mentioned in the forum but outboard tanks fix flight time problems as mission requirements demand. The engines are intercooled turbofans which means that air is not a problem. An internal sealed coolant system takes care of that and shuts off at preset vertical speed and altitude.
 
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  • #32
mgb_phys said:
In another Physics link - in 1983 a harrier got lost on an exercise and ended up landing on a Spanish container ship near Teneriffe. The big flat crate it landed on was carrying the base plate for one of the British Telescopes on La Palma. There is a photo of the landing in the tea room there.
It's funny how one remembers things from a while back. I knew I had heard this before when I saw this picture:

8233591f6329d56e25.jpg


A good thread here:
http://rus-military.livejournal.com/51607.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #33
mgb_phys said:
A couple of conventional jet fighters can steer the output nozzles of their jet engines a few degrees to provide a little more maneuverability.

The F-22 has one of the most unique designs like this. There is also that "other" VTOL plane the US has been playing with for years. It has a single main engine where the output can twist 90* so it faces down twards the ground it out behind the plane. It also has the 2nd fan in the middle of the Fuelsalage (sp) to balance the vertical lift. I wish I could remember a name so I could post a picture.
 

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