Application of Framework for Estimating Performance and Associated Uncertainty for Modified Aircraft Configurations Using NASA's X-57 Maxwell

A framework to estimate the performance and associated uncertainty of modified configurations
of certified aircraft is applied to the X-57 Maxwell aircraft. In previous theoretical studies,
the framework was shown to predict performance and uncertainty bounds accurately. The
X-57 Maxwell is an experimental aircraft designed to demonstrate the benefits of distributed
electric propulsion through a series of four incremental modifications to a Tecnam P2006T
aircraft. The available models and data are first shown to be within the application domain of
the framework. We then apply the framework to two X-57 Maxwell modifications. We compare
the estimated performance and associated uncertainties against the airworthiness criteria.
The results indicate that the framework is a promising tool for the certification by analysis
workflow. We expect the framework to reduce and supplement the flight testing required to
show compliance to airworthiness certification criteria for a modified configuration.