Textron Inc.
Engine Exhaust Suppressor

Abstract:

Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for reducing the infrared signature of a vehicle, specifically to the use of mixed flow or centrifugal blowers to reduce the amount of infrared radiation being emitted from the engine exhaust. A blower and mixer are used to cool the exhaust gas from an aircraft engine. The blower and mixer use a tertiary exhaust duct to swirl cool air from an engine particle separator (EPS) and/or oil cooler, for example, with the hot engine exhaust gas. Existing blowers in the EPS or oil cooler may be used to motivate air flow so that a unique or dedicated blower is not required. In addition to reducing exposure to hostile forces, other benefits of cooling the exhaust gas include greatly reduced ground-impingement temperatures and safer personnel working zones because the hot plume is mostly eliminated.