US 11,987,354 B2
Hypersonic air-flow deflector, and attachment method
Keith A. Elkins, Tucson, AZ (US); Gary Lee Lidstone, Tucson, AZ (US); Frank P. Johansen, Tucson, AZ (US); and Paul T. Hudak, Tucson, AZ (US)
Assigned to Raytheon Company, Tewksbury, MA (US)
Filed by Raytheon Company, Tewksbury, MA (US)
Filed on May 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/739,633.
Prior Publication US 2023/0356838 A1, Nov. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. B64C 30/00 (2006.01); B64C 31/02 (2006.01); B64D 1/02 (2006.01)
CPC B64C 30/00 (2013.01) [B64C 31/02 (2013.01); B64D 1/02 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A flow deflector comprising:
a flow deflector body including a first portion at a forward end shaped to engage a surface of an aerial vehicle body and a second portion at an aft end shaped to engage a surface of a booster engine, wherein the flow deflector body comprises a plurality of body segments arranged to form the flow deflector body;
a clip arranged in an interior of the flow deflector body, wherein the clip is configured to fit around and engage a portion of an aft flange of the aerial vehicle body; and
a spring within the clip, wherein the spring is arranged to press on the aft flange when the clip engages the portion of the aft flange, wherein the spring is preloaded,
wherein the spring is arranged such that a first end of the spring presses on the clip and a second end of the spring opposite the first end presses on the aft flange when the clip engages the portion of the aft flange.