Textron Inc.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR CONVERTIBLE AIRCRAFT

Abstract:

A hybrid propulsion system for a tiltrotor aircraft comprises one or more engines that provide thrust whenever the tiltrotor aircraft is in a first forward flight mode, one or more electrical or hydraulic power sources, and two or more pylon assemblies. Each pylon assembly houses one or more electric or hydraulic motors connected to the one or more electrical or hydraulic power sources and a proprotor. All or part of each pylon assembly is rotatable. The proprotors provide lift whenever the tiltrotor aircraft is in a vertical takeoff and landing mode and a hover mode, and provide thrust whenever the tiltrotor aircraft is in a second forward flight mode.