Nozzle Shapes - Modern Improvements
Another major invention in regards to nozzles was that of vectored thrust. Thrust vectoring refers to precise control of the direction of a fluid jet exiting a nozzle. This allows rockets to alter their trajectory without the use of control surfaces such as those on the wings of a plane. By altering the direction of thrust, a rocket can maneuver without the use of flaps or fins, as seen in the picture below.
Vectored thrust nozzles are also used on advanced military aircraft in order to provide for exceptional maneuverability and control. When used in combination with the standard control surfaces of a plane, thrust vectoring provides a massive advantage over control surfaces alone.
Using vectored thrust, a jet fighter can perform extreme maneuvers, such as quickly tilting 90 degrees as seen in the first 30 seconds of the following video.
Using vectored thrust, a jet fighter can perform extreme maneuvers, such as quickly tilting 90 degrees as seen in the first 30 seconds of the following video.
Here is another video showing the actual operation of a thrust vectoring Eurojet EJ200 series jet engine. The video shows the vectoring vanes expanding and contracting the exit area, which is one way of compensating for the changes in back-pressure as a plane flies at different altitudes. The vanes on the EJ200 are also capable of directing the exhaust jet approximately 23 degrees off-center around the neutral axis.
JR