Preliminary design correlations for twin civil turboprops and comparison with jet aircraft

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare twin engine civil turboprop aircraft with their jet engine counterparts; to simplify the preliminary design process and the initial evaluation of twin civil turboprop aircraft; to include noise level consideration in the preliminary design; and to form a current database of design parameters for representative civil turboprop aircraft.Design/methodology/approachThe paper finds linear correlations between key design parameters. It compares the corresponding correlations for turboprop and jet engine aircraft.FindingsThe paper finds direct linear relationships between design parameters including noise levels; simplified preliminary design process; and differences in the sensitivity of design parameters between turboprop and jet aircraft.Research limitations/implicationsThe turboprop aircraft database needs to be expanded. Also, investigation of non‐linear relations between design parameters is a next step.Practical implicationsQuick assessment and comparisons of existing designs is an outcome. Also, the preliminary design process is simplified and expedited. Lastly, noise regulations can affect the design right from the beginning and not at a later stage.Originality/valueNew correlations which simplify the current procedures for preliminary design of twin civil turboprop aircraft. In addition, the noise is included right from the beginning of the design. Direct comparison between turboprop and jet aircraft afforded via their correlated preliminary design parameters. Finally, a database of twin turboprops is formed with specially selected aircraft that are current and cover a wide spectrum of sizes.