Flight Mechanic

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Thrust Vectoring

Filed Under: Induction and Exhaust Systems

Thrust vectoring is the ability of an aircraft’s main engines to direct thrust other than parallel to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis, allowing the exhaust nozzle to move or change position to direct the thrust in varied directions.

Vertical takeoff aircraft use thrust vectoring as takeoff thrust and then change direction to propel the aircraft in horizontal flight. Military aircraft use thrust vectoring for maneuvering in flight to change direction. Thrust vectoring is generally accomplished by relocating the direction of the exhaust nozzle to direct the thrust to move the aircraft in the desired path. At the rear of a gas turbine engine, a nozzle directs the flow of hot exhaust gases out of the engine and afterburner.

Figure 3-51. A pilot can direct thrust via the vectoring nozzle 20° up or down to increase flight maneuverability.
Figure 3-51. A pilot can direct thrust via the vectoring nozzle 20° up or down to increase flight maneuverability.

Usually, the nozzle points straight out of the engine. The pilot can move, or vector, the vectoring nozzle up and down by 20°. This makes the aircraft much more maneuverable in flight. [Figure 3-51]

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