Time series of meteorological parameters at ten Greek airports since 1955 indicated the level of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean area. Using this data, takeoff performance was analysed for the DHC-8-400-a typical short range turboprop airliner, and the A320, a typical medium scale turbofan airliner. For airports with longer runways, a steady but unimportant increase in takeoff distances was found. For airports with shorter runways, the results indicate a steady reduction in available payload. At the most extreme case, results show that for an Airbus A320, operating from the, relatively short, 1511m runway at Chios Airport, the required reduction in payload would be equivalent to 38 passengers with their luggage, or fuel for 700 nautical miles (1300 km) per flight, for the period between the A320's entry to service in 1988 and 2017. These results indicate that for airports where aeroplane maximum takeoff mass is a performance limited function of runway length, and where minimum temperatures have increased and/or mean headwind components decreased, climate change has already had a marked impact on the economic activity in the airline industry. Similar analyses could be usefully carried out for other runway-length-limited airports, which may often include island airports. It is also noted that previous research has only considered temperature effects, and not wind effects. Wind effects in this study are less significant than temperature, but nonetheless have an effect on both field performance noise and pollution nuisance around airports.
Several methods have been derived since the advent of GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers in aircraft cockpits by which these receivers may be used to calibrate these aircraft’s other instrumentation; in particular the pitot-static system. This paper presents the four most suitable methods, two of which have been developed by the author. These methods are shown with a common symbology, and their strengths, weaknesses, analysis and operational use are compared.
This article explores, theoretically and experimentally, a new wingform, based on an annular wing wrapped around a radial flow generator, potentially creating a vehicle with no external moving parts, reduced vehicle aerodynamic losses compared to previous vertical/short take-off and landing technologies, and substantially eliminating induced drag. Concentrating on hovering and slow flight, it is shown that such a wing works best with a thick aerofoil section and appears to offer greatest potential at a micro-aerial vehicle scale. Experimental methods are described along with results, and this work shows that wing efficiency can be substantially improved by the use of upper surface blowing technology and the Coanda effect. The main causes of efficiency loss are annular flow expansion and problems with achieving acceptable slot heights. Experimental efficiency remains below theoretical efficiency, partly due to flow asymmetry but possibly also other factors. This work is also very early in the development of this technology, and so recommendations are made for future work.
This document is produced from the final Microsoft Word file submitted to Aeronautical Journal of the RoyalAeronautical Society, which led to publication of the final paper -the words and pictures are correct therefore, but the formatting is not identical to that in the Journal. The full citation for this paper (no.3470) is:
ABSTRACTCombined Vertical and Short Take-Off and Landing, or 'V/STOL' capability has been of great demand and interest in the field of aeronautics since the creation of the aircraft. V/STOL capability is a targeted capability for many projected or prototype future aircraft. Past V/STOL aircraft are reviewed and analysed with regard to their performance parameters. This research has found two embedded categories in this class of aircraft based on their propulsion systems, i.e. jet and non-jet propulsion, and highlights the significant performance differences between them. In light of historical experience the performance of a relatively new class of aircraft, the flying cars, has been evaluated.
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