01.2 - Aircraft Design and Integrated System (Applications)
POTENTIAL OF THE RANGE EXTENSION OF SUPERSONIC TRANSPORT
Z. Lei, SUWA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE, Japan
The supersonic transport consumes a large amount of fuel in supersonic cruise, which accounts for about 50% of their takeoff weight. In order to increase the range, the supersonic transport commonly becomes larger, thus results in higher manufacturing costs and fuel consumption. The objective of this study is to investigate the range extension by adopting transonic cruise of flight segments in addition to supersonic cruise within the allowable cruising time. The effects of the combination of supersonic and transonic cruise on the range extension and cruising time were estimated using flight theories. Based on the results, the advantages in flight performance and operational economy were discussed. Even if transonic cruising is adopted in a part region, the left supersonic cruising have still significantly shortened flight time as compared to the competing subsonic transport. The time savings and lower fares make supersonic transports highly competitive. This is of great interest to airlines, and could open up a new market for business class passengers.