Advanced Low-Drag Ram Air Turbine

"The technology offered by our Low Drag- Ram Air Turbine Invention (LD-RATG) addresses the major limitations of the present ram air turbine systems of the type used on the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System Pod. Our system is ducted, with an electroniccontrol system sensing turbine speed, adjusting the center body of a variable inlet which is working in conjunction with a variable nozzle to supply controlled airflow to an internal turbine. This maintains minimal air inlet spill over drag for allcombined flight /electrical loading conditions.We have developed a small engineering prototype that has successfully demonstrated full function in wind tunnel tests at air speeds of up to 225 knots. This system has not yet been fully optimized to maximize performance, and an estimated 30 % efficiencyincrease will be needed to reach the goal of 40 kW in a size compatible with the pod. Using the present prototype design as a test bed, we will develop analytical models correlated with the experimental performance, to study, develop and experimentallyverify design improvement strategies to increase the efficiency. Anticipated design improvements that will be addressed include a more streamlined center body, thinner stator airfoils, and twisting of the turbine blades. This research will assist upgrading the efficiency and increasing the size and power output of our LD-RATG making it a candidate for the Navy AN/ALQ-99. Other potential applications a