Deriving a year 2040 reference aircraft from a modern turboprop, implemented and calibrated in SUAVE

Abstract

The FUTPRINT50 project is focused on designing and preparing ground for a hybrid-electric regional aircraft with a capacity of 50 passengers. The aircraft is designed for entry-into-service between 2035 and 2040. To evaluate and refine the design concepts, the project will use two different reference aircraft: one that is state-of-the-art, and another that is extrapolated to represent what a year 2040 model might look like. The ATR 42-500, a 50-seat aircraft with a design range of 840 nautical miles, will serve as the year 2000 reference aircraft. As part of the project, the open-source aircraft design tool SUAVE is adapted for use with hybrid-electric aircraft. The ATR 42-500 was reverse-engineered in the same SUAVE environment using official manufacturer data and other sources for reference and calibration. The environmental impact of the aircraft is assessed based on its emissions of CO2, NOX, and noise. The technology used in the ATR 42-500 will be outdated by 2040. To estimate the impact of the year 2035/2040 hybrid components, a year 2040 reference aircraft was implemented. This aircraft is based on the ATR 42-500 but will incorporate several further enhanced technologies, such as a higher wing aspect ratio, more efficient engines, and improved materials.