1779. A Different Approach to the Interrelated Subjects of Weight, Performance and Price as Applied to Commercial Transport Airc
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Paper
Abstract
Commercial airplane sizing is a complex process in which experts in the diverse disciplines of mass properties, aerodynamics, propulsion, and finance perform studies and iterate these studies until a satisfactory design is evolved. Because each discipline has its own set of fine-tuned detailed parametric relationships often buried deep within elaborate computer programs, it is not easy to understand the big picture – how individual parameters influence the size (weight) of the resultant design. This paper employs many simplifications in all disciplines in order to develop a method for an easy understanding of airplane sizing. It begins with a different approach to weight categories, followed by an overall performance parameter derivation, and introduces a ballpark evaluation of airplane price. The resulting simplified method is then applied to the value of a pound and to fuel efficiency comparisons.