Ground test of a large scale 'D' vented thrust deflecting nozzle

Future V/STOL aircraft will require efficient techniques for changing the thrust vector from the vertical direction for VTOL operation to the horizontal direction for conventional flight. Most V/STOL concepts utilize thrust vectoring nozzles to provide this variation in the thrust vector direction. An experimental test program was initiated to demonstrate the capabilities of a large scale 'D' vented thrust deflecting system coupled with a high bypass ratio turbofan engine. Data were obtained for a 'D' vented nozzle mounted behind a YTF-34-F5 turbofan engine. Preliminary data are presented for a variety of test conditions. Attention is given to aspects of 'D' vented nozzle design, the test apparatus, engine-nozzle compatibility, exit area variation, longitudinal vectoring performance, nozzle temperature distribution, and large scale - small scale comparisons.