Consideration of Application of Currently Available Transport-Category Aerodynamic Technology in the Optimization of General Aviation Propeller-Driven Twin Design

Abstract

<div class="htmlview paragraph">The evolution of light aircraft design has tended to emphasize payload/range capabilities. A less understood but extremely meaningful area of design, the integration of cruise speed and low-speed flight aerodynamic optimization, is discussed here.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">High-lift technology has found broad application in large transport aircraft, but virtually none of this technology has been integrated into general aviation aircraft for reasons of cost, complexity of design, lack of low-cost manufacturing adaptability, etc. However, transport-category aerodynamic technology can be applied to general aviation and business aircraft.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The application of extensive high-lift devices in conjunction with increased low-speed lift/drag ratio, and advanced airplane control systems to general aviation aircraft is reviewed.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Parametric studies of pertinent wing aerodynamic variables were performed for a typical twin-engine propeller aircraft. Wing loading and aspect ratio are optimized for both slow-speed engine-out operation and cruise speed and payload/range.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The results are encouraging, and point the way for serious consideration of the integration of advanced technology aerodynamics with propeller-driven twins. Such integration greatly increases these aircrafts' productivity, efficiency, speed, and safety.</div>