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MacRobert Award
2003 Finalist
Rollce-Royce
 Rolls-Royce in Bristol has developed a sophisticated propulsion system for future UK/UK Joint Strike Fighter programme of aircraft. The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem™ forms the basis of the short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) capability for the Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft. The finalist team is made up of Mr Charles Hughes, former project director; Mr Peter Price, director of engineering; Mr Dave Palfreyman, deputy project manager; Mr Phil Burkholder, chief engineer; and Mr Tony Hewitt, former chief designer.
"We are delighted to be one of the finalists for such a prestigious award," said Peter Price, on behalf of the team. "Rolls-Royce has a proud tradition of innovation and engineering excellence, and the development of the vertical lift components for the Joint Strike Fighter is completely consistent with that tradition."
Innovation
 Unlike the earlier Pegasus engine in Harrier jets, this system with supersonic capability, has the innovative approach of allowing the main propulsion system to be optimised for conventional flight and then be augmented by the novel LiftFan™ which is mechanically driven from a conventional gas turbine supplying the forward vertical lift, and a separate swivelling jet pipe capable of redirecting the rear thrust from the horizontal to the vertical. The vertical lift or STOVL elements for which Rolls-Royce is responsible comprise the LiftFan™,
3 Bearing Swivel Module (3BSM) and Roll
Posts.
The LiftFan, a 50-inch two-stage counter rotating fan capable of generating more than 20,000lbs of thrust, is driven from a conventional gas turbine and supplies the forward vertical lift. The 3BSM is a swivelling jet pipe capable of redirecting the rear thrust from the horizontal to the vertical position. It can rotate through 95 degrees in 2.5 seconds and passes 18,000lbs of thrust. Aircraft roll control is achieved using the Roll Posts mounted in the wings of the aircraft, each of which provides further 1,950lbs thrust. Lateral stability is maintained by Roll Posts located in each wing. These duct bypass air from the prime engine.
This unique propulsion system has been chosen for inclusion in the US/UK Joint Strike Fighter Programme, a project that is spearheading the development of next generation fighter aircraft and is to dominate the future combat aircraft market.
For further details please visit the Joint Strike Fighter page on Rolls-Royce website at www.rolls-royce.com/suppliers/link/jsf
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