1091. Weight Contribution to Fuel Conservation for Terminal Area Compatible Aircraft

Paper

Abstract

The potential weight characteristics of advanced aircraft are reviewed for their possible contribution to reduction of fuel use by future transports. The trades between weight reduction versus increased aerodynamic and operating efficiency are described. Weight reduction through use of advanced technology in items such as structure and airfoils, proper choice of engines, and revised environmental control systems is shown to offer a direct contribution to fuel conservation. Wing plan form optimization results in increased weight with thin, high aspect ratio and reduced sweep wings; however, weight penalties are beneficially countered by a pronounced increase in aerodynamic efficiency. Results of isolated studies of several technical areas applied to an example 200 passenger, 5556 km (3000 nmi) design range transport operated at a long-range cruise Mach number of 0.80 are discussed. Overall, 21.6% reductions in operational empty weight and takeoff gross weight are obtained, as compared to a conventional design that utilizes current technology. The weight penalties incurred by design features to reduce congestion, noise, and emissions in the terminal area are discussed. It is shown that features for reduction of congestion (delay) and emissions also offer fuel reduction potential; however, weight and fuel-use penalties result from noise reduction features. The considerable research and technology effort required to achieve a resulting nominal 25% fuel reduction potential on future aircraft during the latter half of the 1980 decade is outlined.