A Methodology for Integrated Conceptual Design of Aircraft Configuration and Operation to Reduce Environmental Impact

Abstract

Significant reductions in environmental impact and operating costs are achievable when both aircraft configuration and operation are considered simultaneously at the early stages of aircraft design. The challenges with combining these disciplines are that the design space becomes larger, and each design evaluation requires coupled analyses. This paper presents a methodology in which a low-speed aerodynamic model and a trajectory simulation are integrated to study trades between aircraft performance, environmental impact, and cost. Four studies are conducted using this method to illustrate ways to reduce the environmental impacts of future airplanes in a future air-traffic system. First, a study of the departure procedure for the Boeing 747-200 shows that significant benefits are possible by modifying the current procedures without changing the aircraft. For instance, from the start of takeoff roll to 10,000 feet the following are mutually achievable: a 37% reduction in climb time, a 26% reduction in fuel consumption, a 26% reduction in 55 EPNdB noise exposure area, and a 2.6% reduction in operating costs. A second example analyzes trades between noise and operating cost and considers current noise taxation schemes. Then, the sensitivity of the takeoff and approach noise certification procedures are presented to show it is possible to simultaneously evaluate both configuration and operational changes. The results of these studies are that takeoff noise is insensitive to small configuration changes, but procedural modifications can have a significant impact. For approach, the noise can be significantly reduced through either configuration or procedural changes.