Low-noise aircraft design in the context of a sustainable and energy efficient aviation

Abstract

Promising low-noise aircraft architectures were identified over the last years at DLR. Certain aircraft concepts have been selected for further assessment in the context of a more sustainable and energy efficient aviation. A corresponding research center has been established at the TU Braunschweig in 2019, i.e., the Center of Excellence for Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Aviation (SE2A). Specific Top Level Aircraft Requirements (TLAR) and three initial reference aircraft have been defined within the SE2A for short, mid, and long range aircraft. Selected DLR low-noise aircraft concepts for mid range aircraft have consequently been adapted in order to meet these TLAR and to contribute meeting one specific goal of the SE2A, i.e., reduction of aviation noise. This paper presents the selected aircraft concepts, shows the required modifications to meet the SE2A's TLAR, and demonstrates the low-noise performance of each vehicle. Finally, the implications of these new low-noise SE2A vehicles toward a sustainable and energy efficient aviation are discussed.