초록 ▼

A system for automatically restoring thrust to the working engine(s) of an aircraft if power is lost by an engine while the aircraft is operating at reduced thrust during a takeoff noise abatement maneuver is disclosed. The automatic thrust restoration (ATR) system is activated when: (1) the automat

A system for automatically restoring thrust to the working engine(s) of an aircraft if power is lost by an engine while the aircraft is operating at reduced thrust during a takeoff noise abatement maneuver is disclosed. The automatic thrust restoration (ATR) system is activated when: (1) the automatic throttle (A/T) system of the aircraft is engaged; (2) the throttle hold mode of operation of the A/T (which occurs during the initial takeoff period) has ended; and, (3) engine thrust is reduced below a preset value (which indicates that the aircraft is making a noise abatement maneuver). When these three conditions exist, the ATR system is activated for a period of time adequate for the aircraft to climb at a reduced slope to a prescribed altitude (e.g., 1500 feet). During the period of time the ATR system is activated, engine thrust is monitored. If thrust from an engine is lost, the ATR system automatically increases the throttle setting and, thus, the thrust of the working engine(s). ATR system reliability is enhanced by embodying the ATR control functions in two forms－a software form and a hardware form. Reliability is further enhanced by continuously testing the ATR system during takeoff, up to an altitude below that at which engine thrust noise abatement reduction occurs (e.g., 500 feet). Test failure results in the ATR system being rendered inoperable.

대표청구항 ▼

A thrust restoration system for automatically restoring the thrust of the working engine(s) of an aircraft if power is lost by an engine while the aircraft is operating at reduced thrust during a takeoff noise abatement maneuver, wherein each of said engines produces a thrust signal that denotes the

A thrust restoration system for automatically restoring the thrust of the working engine(s) of an aircraft if power is lost by an engine while the aircraft is operating at reduced thrust during a takeoff noise abatement maneuver, wherein each of said engines produces a thrust signal that denotes the thrust produced by the engine and the aircraft produces speed and altitude signals that denote the speed and altitude of the aircraft, said thrust restoration system comprising: noise abatement maneuver determining means for receiving said thrust and altitude signals and determining if the aircraft is performing a takeoff noise abatement maneuver; engine power loss determining means for receiving said thrust signals and determining if the thrust of any of said engines is below a predetermined level; and, engine power restoration means connected to said noise abatement maneuver means and to said engine power loss determining means for increasing power to the working engine(s) of said aircraft if said noise abatement maneuver determining means determines that said aircraft is performing a takeoff noise abatement maneuver and if said engine power loss means determines that the thrust produced by an engine is below said predetermined level.