Gains in Fuel Efficiency: Multi-Stop Missions vs. Laminar Aircraft

Abstract

Improvements in aircraft operations as well as application of innovative technologies are amongst the most discussed paths towards greener and more fuel ecient aviation. Especially on long-haul routes the payload factor is low due to large fuel weights; this decreases the aircraft eciency signicantly. Intermediate stops for refueling is one possible solution for increasing eciency on long-haul routes. This paper presents a comparison between multi-stop refueling operations with current aircraft technology, and an innovative aircraft concept that features laminar ow technology for decreasing drag. The presented results are based on preliminary aircraft designs and analysis with detailed ight performance simulations of the associated missions. The potential of gains in fuel eciency for the two dierent approaches is compared. Additionally, the impact on transport productivity and direct operating costs for the two concepts is presented in the scope of this paper.