The results of a preliminary design study which investigates the use of selected advanced technologies to achieve low cost design for small (50-passenger), short haul (50 to 1000 mile) transports are reported. The largest single item in the cost of manufacturing an airplane of this type is labor. A careful examination of advanced technology to airframe structure was performed since one of the most labor-intensive parts of the airplane is structures. Also, preliminary investigation of advanced aerodynamics flight controls, ride control and gust load alleviation systems, aircraft systems and turbo-prop propulsion systems was performed. The most beneficial advanced technology examined was bonded aluminum primary structure. The use of this structure in large wing panels and body sections resulted in a greatly reduced number of parts and fasteners and therefore, labor hours. The resultant cost of assembled airplane structure was reduced by 40% and the total airplane manufacturing cost by 16% - a major cost reduction. With further development, test verification and optimization appreciable weight saving is also achievable. Other advanced technology items which showed significant gains are as follows: (1) advanced turboprop-reduced block fuel by 15.30% depending on range; (2) configuration revisions (vee-tail)-empennage cost reduction of 25%; (3) leading-edge flap addition-weight reduction of 2500 pounds.


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    Title :

    Application of Advanced Technologies to Small, Short-Haul Aircraft


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1978


    Size :

    332 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Application of advanced technologies to small, short-haul aircraft

    Andrews, D. G. / Brubaker, P. W. / Bryant, S. L. et al. | NTRS | 1978




    Application of advanced technologies to small, short-haul transport aircraft (STAT)

    Kraus, E. F. / Mall, O. D. / Awker, R. W. et al. | NTRS | 1982


    Application of Advanced Technologies to Small, Short-Haul Transport Aircraft (Stat)

    E. F. Kraus / O. D. Mall / R. W. Awker et al. | NTIS | 1982