VARIABLE AREA NOZZLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME

A variable area nozzle assembly (36) includes a fixed structure (38) surrounding an exhaust duct (40) extending along a nozzle (44) axis. The fixed structure (38) defines an exhaust duct outlet (46) of the exhaust duct (40). The fixed structure (38) includes a first side beam (48) and a second side beam (52). Each of the first side beam (48) and the second side beam (52) extend in a direction axially aft from the exhaust duct outlet (46). Each of an upper thrust reverser door (96) and a lower thrust reverser door (98) are pivotably mounted to the first side beam (48) and the second side beam (52) at a first axial position. An upper panel (64) and a lower panel (66) are pivotably mounted to the upper thrust reverser door (96) and the lower thrust reverser door (98), respectively, at a second axial position located axially forward of the first axial position. The upper panel (64) and the lower panel (66) define a nozzle outlet cross-sectional area (94) therebetween.