Assessment of Potential Commercial Success of Business Jets with Natural Laminar Flow

Abstract

The present research investigates the potential application of the natural laminar flow wing technology to business jet market segments from light to long-range jets. A database of existing business jets was generated to determine the range extension as a potential driver of customer interest. A conceptual design of several configurations for each market segment was performed to investigate potential improvements in the aircraft flight range, operating costs, and price changes using the technology. An initial sizing module and a low-fidelity multidisciplinary design optimization were used to size all aircraft. Results demonstrated a 13–30% increase in the flight range depending on the aircraft concept. Long-range jets with natural laminar flow could not achieve significant range extension due to a combination of the design airspeed and maintenance costs. A rapid increase in acquisition prices for all aircraft suggested that super-midsize and large jets that combine relatively low empty weight and high range extension could be more favorable options compared to other segments, but a significant reduction of acquisition costs and an increase in operating flight hours are required to make the technology implementation successful.

Impact of Figures of Merit Selection on Hybrid–Electric Regional Aircraft Design and Performance Analysis

“…The potential integration of combined innovations between hybrid-electric propulsion and airframe-related technologies could also affect the results commented on for traditional tube-and-wing. The introduction of structural and aerodynamic technological advancements [81,82] or even the integration of radical innovative lifting architectures [83][84][85][86] could introduce significant performance advantages for hybrid-electric aircraft. Such aspects have in fact already been anticipated in the recent literature [28,44,66,87], indicating that comprehensive technological development must be envisaged at the overall aircraft level if radical gains are to be achieved.…”