Very large airplanes using alternative fuels are examined in the context of existing and possible future Air Force missions. Synthetic jet fuel (JP), liquid methane, liquid hydrogen, and nuclear propulsion are the fuel alternatives selected for detailed analysis. Conceptual designs of airplanes using each of these fuels were developed and estimates were made of their lifecycle cost and life-cycle energy consumption. Mission analyses were performed to determine the effectiveness of the alternative airplanes in strategic airlift specifically and in the station-keeping role in general. Results indicate that for most military applications airplanes with gross weights in excess of one million pounds promise to be superior to any comtemporary airplanes in terms of cost-effectiveness and energy-hydrocarbon jet fuel, whether manufactured from oil shale, coal or crude oil, remains the most attractive aviation fuel for future Air Force use. Policy recommendations are made pertaining both to alternative fuels and to advanced-technology large airplanes. Future research and developments are also identified. (Author)
An Evaluation of Very Large Airplanes and Alternative Fuels
1976
402 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Aircraft , Fuels , Nuclear Propulsion , Cargo aircraft , Aviation fuels , Jet engine fuels , Synthetic fuels , Nuclear propulsion , Air Force planning , Advanced systems , Cost effectiveness , Liquefied gases , Methane , Hydrogen , Hydrocarbons , Tanker planes , Jet transport planes , Shale , Coal , Crude oil , Energy , Energy management , Fuel consumption , Weight , Life cycle costs , LIFE CYCLES , Very large airplanes