Air transportation energy efficiency - Alternatives and implicationsResults from recent studies of air transportation energy efficiency alternatives are discussed, along with some of the implications of these alternatives. The fuel-saving alternatives considered include aircraft operation, aircraft modification, derivative aircraft, and new aircraft. In the near-term, energy efficiency improvements should be possible through small improvements in fuel-saving flight procedures, higher density seating, and higher load factors. Additional small near-term improvements could be obtained through aircraft modifications, such as the relatively inexpensive drag reduction modifications. Derivatives of existing aircraft could meet the requirements for new aircraft and provide energy improvements until advanced technology is available to justify the cost of a completely new design. In order to obtain significant improvements in energy efficiency, new aircraft must truly exploit advanced technology in such areas as aerodynamics, composite structures, active controls, and advanced propulsion.
Document ID
19770029340
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Williams, L. J. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1976
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
SAWE PAPER 1124
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual Conference of Society of Allied Weight Engineers