INTRODUCTION.
.
There are few things in the world that are more difficult to do than introduce an idea or concept that contrasts the paradigm in which a society lives. The aircraft, although advanced in technology, construction materials and techniques design is relatively unchanged since the beginning of manned flight. Will an aircraft, that looks different from any other in the sky, be allowed to replace the aircraft we are all so accustomed seeing in the skies?.
DISCUSSION .
Most aircraft in the military transport community are due to retire early in this century. There are many choices the government has. Replenish the already aging inventory with more .
Replacement parts to extend useful life. Upgrade and reengineer the airframe and avionic .
systems, to extend the technological life of the platform. Lastly, when cost of .
operation becomes too expensive to continue use, replace with a new platform.
Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics Company in conjunction with NASA, have conducted studies to analyze and evaluate an equal basis comparison of an advanced conventional, box wing and strut braced wing transport aircraft. The objectives of the study were:.
Identify key structural and aerodynamic design features, enabling technologies, and technological challenges. .
Assess the benefits obtained by integration of emerging technologies with structurally innovative aircraft concepts.
Compare these benefits to the benefits obtained from the same technologies applied on conventional transport aircraft.
Using computer modeling, it was shown that there was application to a wide range of vehicle sizes. This technology not being restricted to large aircraft could lead to a drastic change in private civil aviation. Smaller aircraft with an increased range and payload could payoff big by helping to remove some of the burden that commercial aviation carries.
Using large box wing aircraft as an example, an aircraft with virtually the same dimensions as a conventional aircraft that has an increased range and capability to carry up to 600 passengers, without the necessity for any changes in existing airport support and infrastructure.
