Radial Inlet Turbine for Next Generation Electronic Warfare Pod Power Generation

Steady Flux, Inc proposes an innovative method for power generation for pylon mounted electronic warfare pods. The innovative design will focus on new packaging requirements by reducing packaged volume and increasing power generation efficiency by using a Francis turbine located in the aft of the pod. The approach will focus on performing detailed design and testing of the radial inlet turbine (RIT) power generation system in order to ensure all program requirements are met. Additionally, initial trade studies using state of the art engineering analysis tools will be completed in order to determine the optimum geometry and packaging. The effectiveness of the next generation of electronic warfare pods is highly dependant on sensor packaging and pod geometry. A new power generation scheme is necessary, as the current state of the art, the ram air turbine (RAT) power generation system, impedes on the next generation pod sensor packaging. By combining a Francis turbine, a proven power generation system, and a new flow geometry, the power generation requirements can be exceeded. This allows greater capability in both electronic warfare pods and other externally powered aircraft mounted devices.