Abstract
A potential need has been identified for a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft to augment current surveillance and engagement capability. HALE platforms offer mission flexibility and survivability which can complement ground based surveillance and engagement systems. Current mission requirements include a loiter altitude of 45,000 to 60,000 feet and a loiter time of 12 to 24 hours. The HALE aircraft will also be required to carry a sensor payload weight between 50,000 and 100,000 pounds. This paper will evaluate the potential of several propulsion system candidates. Engines to be examined include the “classical” turbofan engine with bypass ratios up to eight, the “ultra high bypass ratio” turbofan with bypass ratios up to 20, General Electric’s Unducted Fan (UDF) and the turboprop in a pusher and tractor configuration with single and counter rotation propfans.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.