Textron Inc.
DUCTED FAN ASSEMBLY WITH MATERIAL-FILLED CAVITY IN LEADING EDGE

Abstract:

In an embodiment, a ducted fan assembly includes a housing that further includes a rotor. The ducted fan assembly also includes a rim that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the ducted fan assembly, where the rim defines an opening surrounding at least a portion of the housing. The ducted fan assembly also includes a skin that is attached to the rim and extends around the at least a portion of the perimeter of the ducted fan assembly to form a leading edge of the ducted fan assembly, the skin and the rim creating a cavity therebetween. The cavity is at least partially filled with a material to absorb energy from an impact of the skin with a foreign object.