A variable area exit nozzle arrangement for an aircraft engine was a substantially reduced length and weight which comprises a number of longitudinally movable radial vanes and a number of fixed radial vanes. The movable radial vanes are alternately disposed with respect to the fixed radial vanes. A means is provided for displacing the movable vanes along the longitudinal axis of the engine relative to the fixed radial vanes which extend across the main exhaust flow of the engine