Aircraft Design with Maneuver and Gust Load Alleviation

Abstract

of maneuver (MLA) and gust load alleviation (GLA) systems on aircraft performance are evaluated at the conceptual design level. Results suggest that a conventional transonic transport aircraft designed with an aggressive aerodynamic MLA system may achieve some 3% lower direct operating cost (DOC) and more than 4% reduction in fuel consumption relative to a conventional baseline design. The addition of a GLA system can more than double these savings. Sensitivity studies conrm that the control and actuator requirements for eective maneuver and gust load alleviation are consistent with the performance parameters of modern aircraft. The active load control design framework can serve as a platform for the assessment of new technologies, congurations, and operational paradigms that may signicantly reduce aircraft fuel consumption and environmental impact.