Potential benefits for propfan technology on derivatives of future short- to medium-range transport aircraftIt is noted that several NASA-sponsored studies have identified a substantial potential fuel savings for high subsonic speed aircraft utilizing the propfan concept compared to the equivalent technology turbofan aircraft. Attention is given to a feasibility study for propfan-powered short- to medium-haul commercial transport aircraft conducted to evaluate potential fuel savings and identify critical technology requirements using the latest propfan performance data. An analysis is made of the design and performance characteristics of a wing-mounted and two-aft-mounted derivative propfan aircraft configurations, based on a DC-9 Super 80 airframe, which are compared to the baseline turbofan design. Finally, recommendations for further research efforts are also made.
Document ID
19800054735
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goldsmith, I. M. (Douglas Aircraft Co. Long Beach, Calif., United States)
Bowles, J. V. (NASA Ames Research Center V/STOL Systems Technology Branch, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)