A novel concept that could change the way manufacturers look at thrust reversers was unveiled at Farnborough on Wednesday by French firm Hurel-Dubois.
Called Papillon, it is a bypass thrust reverser which is aimed specifically at underwing-mounted bypass systems.
"This proves our commitment to innovation," says commercial director Peter Moot. "We are the only company which has tackled the principles of reverse thrust and not just materials."
The system comprises two doors which rotate on fixed pivots. These doors provide part of the outer surface of the nacelle and part of the outer fan duct wall when they are stowed.
When they are opened, their aft section blocks the bypass flow with an extension under the outer skin that cannot be seen from the outside, while their forward section directs the resultant flow forward.
"The crucial change, to allow this to work, is the offset position of the pivots inboard from the lateral edges of the doors," adds Moot.
Outboard leakage is minimised by a seal, proved in operation on the Airbus, while internal pressure loss is minimised by the use of a slotted fan ramp.
Hurel-Dubois, a specialist in thrust reversers, saw the need, around two years ago, for a two-door thrust reverser for 100-seater aircraft. It is aimed at aircraft such as Asian Express, the AI(R) 70 family and the A320.
Although the system has not been flight-tested yet, the firm claims that overall performance of Papillon is at least equal to other types of bypass thrust reversers in forward thrust mode.
Source: Flight Daily News
