Distributed propulsion

Distributed propulsion (DP) is a type of powered flight propulsion system for fixed-wing aircraft in which engines are distributed about a vessel. Its goal is to increase performance in fuel efficiency, emissions, noise, landing field length and handling performance. DP is typically accomplished by spanwise distribution of partially or fully embedded multiple small engines or fans along the wing. Alternatively, it may involve ducting exhaust gases along the wing's entire trailing edge.

Distributed propulsion spreads thrust around the aircraft, either by using three or more smaller propulsion units (engines, propulsors, thrusters or others) or by ducting exhaust gases to three or more locations.

The multiple propulsion unit strategy involves three or more propulsion units . These units are arranged in Leader or Follower configurations. They are classified into five intensity classes (A–E) and three thrust-to-weight ratio categories (I-III). They can be arranged within/above/around or across the wing(s)/fuselage(s) or airframe.

Leader arrangements employ propulsion units to directly generate thrust, i.e., distributed engines. The Follower arrangement uses secondary propulsion unit(s), such as multiple fans that are powered by a single engine. In the last case, the power transmission between the fans and engines may be linked by ducting hot gas, mechanical gears, or electric power lines.

Intensity classes group designs according to the number of propulsion units they employ.

For distributed propulsion, this ratio can be defined as the total aircraft thrust produced divided by the Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) rather than dividing only by the propulsion unit weight, given the strategy's potential to reduce the weight of the rest of the aircraft.

Thus, the following convention describes specific systems:

DP Configuration (L/F)-Intensity class (A-E)-Thrust-to-weight (I-III)-(X)

For example, the 1945s Blohm and Voss 238 V1 aircraft would be denoted as DPL-B-I,since the aircraft employs six piston engines and has a thrust-to-weight ratio less than 0.10.

In addition to providing propulsion, distributed propulsion arrangements may provide the following functions:

These implementations are often proposed in conjunction with blended wing body (BWB) or hybrid wing body (HWB) aircraft.

While some of these concepts were tested on full scale aircraft in the 1960 - 1970s, such as the Hunting H.126, they were not fielded in production aircraft. More recently, several full-size and smaller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) projects have proposed DP approaches to meet noise abatement, fuel efficiency and landing field length goals. Advancements in materials engineering, cryogenic cooling systems, novel fuels and high fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and analysis have been credited for the renewed interest.

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