Engine mounting requirements
The first step in integrating an engine into an airframe’s design is understanding the size and shape of the engine, to ensure the engine fits within the airframe. Once it has been confirmed that the engine will fit within the required space, the next primary consideration becomes how the engine will be mounted. There are two primary topics to discuss in the mounting of an engine on an airframe. In this blog post we will discuss engine orientation, and how the engine is attached to the airframe.
The orientation of an engine with respect to the airframe is something that will largely be determined by the objective and mission profile of the aircraft. For example, an engine on a VTOL aircraft may be oriented with the exhaust pointing towards the ground while the aircraft is on the ground. An engine intended to be windmill-started, must be oriented so that the engine is retrieving sufficient airflow to start the engine. Many of PBS Aerospace’s smaller engines operate without the use of lubricating oil, and can be started and stored in any orientation. Some larger engines utilize lubricating oil to prolong their operating life, and because of this are bound to a more conventional operation profile. The orientation of an engine relative to the airframe is an important consideration, and one we are happy to assist customers in determining.
The second focus of this blog is discussing how PBS engines are mounted to airframes. Ensuring that the engine is attached in a way that will safely and reliably translate thrust generated by the engine onto the aircraft in the desired direction can be a difficult task for a design team. Luckily, the engineers at PBS Aerospace have incorporated this into the design of each engine. Each of our engines have standardized locations of mounting brackets, and the installation manuals come with guidelines for mounting each engine. The number and location of the mounting brackets are different on each type of engine, so understanding where the brackets are on an engine is important in designing around it. Often times, aircraft manufacturers need accurate information regarding the location of the mounting brackets on the engine before an engine is purchased. In this case, PBS can provide CAD models to known customers to assist in their design.
To find out more about the mounting and orientation requirements of our engines, or if you have any other questions about the integrating of our engines, contact us at info@pbsaerospace.com. One of our engineers would be happy to help you.