Energy and economic trade offs for advanced technology subsonic aircraftChanges in future aircraft technology which conserve energy are studied, along with the effect of these changes on economic performance. Among the new technologies considered are laminar-flow control, composite materials with and without laminar-flow control, and advanced airfoils. Aircraft design features studied include high-aspect-ratio wings, thickness ratio, and range. Engine technology is held constant at the JT9D level. It is concluded that wing aspect ratios of future aircraft are likely to significantly increase as a result of new technology and the push of higher fuel prices. Whereas current airplanes have been designed for AR = 7, supercritical technology and much higher fuel prices will drive aspect ratio to the AR = 9-10 range. Composite materials may raise aspect ratio to about 11-12 and practical laminar flow-control systems may further increase aspect ratio to 14 or more. Advanced technology provides significant reductions in aircraft take-off gross weight, energy consumption, and direct operating cost.
Document ID
19770046619
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Maddalon, D. V. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wagner, R. D. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual Intersociety Conference on Transportation