Overview
Two planes were designed to compare the impact of advanced technology on the weight and economic performance of a commercial aircraft. The first aircraft used an all aluminum structure with conventional engines while the second used a composite structure with more efficient engines. The two configurations were compared based on their Direct Operating Cost (DOC) measured in dollars per ton-mile and takeoff weight in pounds.
Conventional Aircraft Final CAD
Advanced Aircraft Final CAD
Design Specifications
Analysis
The design and analysis of the two aircraft was done with an iterative Matlab script. The advanced tech aircraft's engines had 10% more weight and a 10% reduction in specific fuel consumption while producing 17.8% less thrust at sea level. The use of these engines along with composite materials resulted in the advanced aircraft having 17.4% lower takeoff weight and 16.6% lower operating cost than the conventional aircraft.
Aspect ratio of 7 and 35° sweep gives the lowest weight
Aspect ratio of 7 and 35° sweep gives the lowest operating cost
Aspect ratio of 8.5 and 34° sweep gives the lowest weight
Aspect ratio of 8.5 and 34° sweep gives the lowest operating cost
Interior Layout
The interior configuration was made in SolidWorks and includes 16 first class seats along with 194 economy seats in 33 rows of 6 abreast, with 4 missing seats for exits. There are 4 type A exits at the front and back of the plane along with 4 type I overwing exits in the
center of the fuselage. This arrangement allows for all the passengers to evacuate should
half the exits be blocked and meets the 60 ft maximum requirement
between exits.
Layout of Passenger Accommodations
Drawings
Wing and Tail Diagram
Wireframe 3-view