Operator and Manufacturer Life Cycle Cost-Benefit Analysis of Aircraft with Natural Laminar Flow Technology

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the economic benefit of an aircraft with natural laminar flow (NLF) and forward swept wings (FSW) from aircraft operators' and manufacturers' point of view. The focus will be on short-to-medium haul operations, \ie aircraft similar to current state-of-the-art 150 passenger seated aircraft. In order to perform a life cycle cost-benefit analysis for both stakeholders at preliminary aircraft design stage, different economic assessment methods are in the center of attention. With the applied assessment approach it is intended to show how the proposed aircraft concept affects the non-recurring and recurring cost of the manufacturer. The impact of the FSW-NLF aircraft on airline economics is determined with a life cycle cost-benefit model, which considers realistic operational boundary conditions like environment, technical efforts and operational aspects. The aim of the holistic assessment approach is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the repercussions of the FSW-NLF aircraft manufacturing and operation will manifest in the economic efficiency.