A new conceptual approach to classification modifications of the transport category aircraft

Abstract

The article highlights the modern approach of creating a classification of transport aircraft modifications. The general tendency of successful functioning of aviation business based on modified base planes operation is analyzed. The purpose of the article is to study the world practice of classifications of modifications of transport aircrafts and its adaptation in a single modern approach depending on the modifications of aircraft. It is revealed that the classification of aircraft modifications is based on the classical theory of artificial classifications, which has a number of shortcomings, among which is the erroneous choice of a number of components of many classification levels (subclasses, groups and subgroups). A new concept based on the adopted provisions, taking into account and implementing all five features of the notion “concept” and defining the notion of “aircraft modification” as a change of one or more of the five features of change (functional purpose, scope, flight, technical characteristics, the level of improvement of the technical solution or its unit, economic efficiency) is proposed. Based on the theory of combinatorics, the maximum number of aircraft modifications was determined for five features: 31 modifications and for four single-level features — 15 modifications. Classification levels of varieties, classes, subclasses, groups and subgroups are established, where the varieties is the basis of the highest classification level, and the last four — are referred to equivalent classification levels — classes. The system of coding of modifications of all classes, subclasses, groups and subgroups consisting of letters and numbers is developed and proved. Examples of these encodings are given. The authors of the article came to the conclusion that the proposed principle and approach to the formation of the classifier of aircraft modifications should go through a long process of practical implementation and further improvement at all stages of the product life cycle, starting from the subclass.