Significance of modifications for development of passenger airplanes
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the design experience of creation of passenger airplane families. Methods of taking into account future modifications for family creation during the design of the basic airplane are proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
Trend analysis of airplane data was based on available statistics and previous research results by using a systematic approach. Proposed methods are based on practical experience and aircraft design theory.
Findings
The paper provides the results of analysis of creation of passenger airplane families. It suggests that reserves should be allocated during design of the first family member to ensure successful creation of other members. A method based on aircraft fleet optimization is suggested for determining these reserves.
Research limitations/implications
The field of research connected to aircraft fleet creation methods still remains largely unexplored. The paper presents a systematic general concept, which the researchers are encouraged to develop further (e.g. for aircraft of different types and purpose than presented in the paper).
Practical implications
The paper proposes transferring from “point optimization” of aircraft during early design stages to inclusion of reserves into the project, which would be used for aircraft family creation.
Originality/value
The paper studies the problem of taking into account the necessity for airplane family creation during the early stages of airplane design and offers an approach to its solution. It could be of interest to aircraft design specialists.
Keywords
Citation
Zhuravlev, P. and Zhuravlev, V. (2012), "Significance of modifications for development of passenger airplanes", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 84 No. 3, pp. 172-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022661211222021
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited