US 11,718,394 B2
Anti-torque and propulsion system for rotorcraft
Michael J. McNulty, Scottsdale, AZ (US); and Glenn T. Pyle, Mesa, AZ (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Apr. 16, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/385,937.
Prior Publication US 2020/0331600 A1, Oct. 22, 2020
Int. Cl. B64C 27/82 (2006.01)
CPC B64C 27/82 (2013.01) [B64C 2027/8236 (2013.01); B64C 2027/8245 (2013.01); B64C 2027/8281 (2013.01)] 29 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tail boom, comprising:
an elongated housing;
a shaft disposed lengthwise within an interior space of the housing, wherein the shaft has a first end and a second end opposing the first end;
a fan mechanically coupled coaxially to the shaft within the interior space between the first end and the second end, wherein the fan is configured to generate a variable airflow directed along the interior space substantially parallel to the shaft towards the second end;
louvers configured to redirect the variable airflow generated by the fan from an orientation substantially parallel to the shaft to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the shaft, and eject the variable airflow through an opening in the housing; and
a propulsor external to the housing and mechanically coupled coaxially to the shaft at the second end, wherein the propulsor is configured to generate a variable thrust;
wherein the opening is positioned forward of the propulsor.