Conceptual Exploration of Aircraft Configurations for the SUSAN Electrofan

A Review of Novel and Non-Conventional Propulsion Integrations for Next-Generation Aircraft

“…In this context, it is possible to also consider combinations of different propulsion technologies and their integration into advanced aircraft concepts. This is the case, for example, of the unconventional aircraft architectures studied for the concept SUSAN (Subsonic Single Aft Engine) developed by NASA [179,279] and already cited in Section 3.3 for the case of distributed propulsion. The project proposed different regional aircraft configurations integrating several levels of propulsive technological innovation, such as a single main propulsion unit installed in the aft fuselage area, distributed propulsion, counter-rotating prop-fans and open-rotors, the option of using propulsive elements for boundary layer ingestion, and a hybrid-electric powertrain.…”

“…To evaluate the different technological integrations and their synergetic effect on overall aircraft design and mission performance, several conceptual configurations were developed, studied and compared, with differing propulsion and architectural options. The four main concepts analysed in this context are depicted in Figure 69 [279]; specifically, the following were considered: (a) is a configuration with a ducted turbofan To evaluate the different technological integrations and their synergetic effect on overall aircraft design and mission performance, several conceptual configurations were developed, studied and compared, with differing propulsion and architectural options. The four main concepts analysed in this context are depicted in Figure 69 [279]; specifically, the following were considered: (a) is a configuration with a ducted turbofan as aft propulsor and with a tailless architecture (to minimize intake flow distortion and optimize boundary layer ingestion); to satisfy thrust requirements, but also to fulfil stability and directional control functions, the configuration is equipped with four electric motors with counterrotating prop-fans in an overwing layout; (b) has a T-tail rear architecture, and the number of electric motors with counter rotating prop-fans mounted front-of-wing is reduced to two; in this case the single aft engine is an open-rotor, selected to increase fuel efficiency, but having penalties in terms of noise and installation issues.…”

“…Another problem that may prevent the effective feasibility of this solution lies in the event of a rotor blade failure, which could critically damage the tail surfaces; (c) is a configuration very similar to the previous one, but to solve the problems related to the installation of the aft open-rotor, the latter is replaced with a ducted turbofan; the protective ventral fin is therefore also removed; and (d) has a T-tail architecture with an aft ducted turbofan and with sixteen electric motors powering ducted fans housed within sub-wing integrated nacelles. The multidisciplinary design studies proposed in [179,279] have preliminarily estimated possible significant reductions in block fuel consumption for the investigated configurations. Although these studies are still conceptual, they indicate interesting directions for the synergetic development of disruptive aircraft and propulsion technologies.…”

B‐spline based on vector extension improved CST parameterization algorithm

“…Undoubtedly, a country that has more advanced, higher-speed, and safer aircraft will be endowed with more advantages. [1][2][3][4][5] Designing outstanding aircraft has, therefore, become the objective of many scholars and the development of national defense science and technology.…”

“…One important indicator of whether a country has strong air superiority and mature and advanced air transport, among other aspects, is the aircraft. Undoubtedly, a country that has more advanced, higher‐speed, and safer aircraft will be endowed with more advantages 1‐5 . Designing outstanding aircraft has, therefore, become the objective of many scholars and the development of national defense science and technology.…”