Abstract
Uncertainty in concept-design zero-lift-drag estimation has significant downstream design consequences. Typically, key decisions regarding the overall vehicle weight, vehicle dimensions, aerodynamic configuration, wing loading and thrust loading are frozen during concept design. If imprecise drag estimates are made up front, the actual performance of the production aircraft may diverge widely from its intended performance. Plots of steady-state aircraft cruise performance metrics in “Energy-Maneuverability” format (as a function of Mach number and flight altitude) facilitate this discussion. This paper explains how multidisciplinary effects magnify the impact the zero-lift-drag uncertainty substantially beyond what one would expect using a simplified, Breguet analysis. Moreover, the detrimental effects of excess drag disproportionately impacts smaller airframes. However, increased thrust-loading mitigates the unintended effects of excess drag.
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