Design and Evaluation of a Light Jet Reference Aircraft in the Conceptual Aircraft Design Framework MICADO

Abstract

The within the multidisciplinary integrated conceptual aircraft design and optimization presented thesis contains the design and evaluation of a light jet reference aircraft (MICADO) framework. It investigates the characteristic features of light executive jets at the border of CS-23 and CS-25 certification rules and determines suitable approaches proposed in academic literature as well as the required adaptations of MICADO for consistent and accurate aircraft designs within this class. Most significant for the successful modelling of the reference aircraft is, apart from the geometric reference, the generation of an adequate engine deck for the thermodynamic engine model, the calibration of the aerodynamic module based on experimental data and extensive studies conducted on mass estimation down to component level. The resulting reference aircraft closes the validation gap of MICADO between commercial transport aircraft and piston-powered general aviation types. MICADO enables the generation of white sheet aircraft designs with minimal user input as well as the assessment of predetermined aircraft geometries. The software environment is partitioned into multiple modules each accounting for a primary discipline of conceptual aircraft design or a major airframe component. The independence of modules allows for target-orientated changes in methodical approach and individual calibration of output. Publicly available information on the aircraft is supplemented by reference data used with the permission of Textron Aviation, Inc. and compiled into a comprehensive database for validation of the reference aircraft. A newly proposed maximum landing weight estimation method is additionally validated against a wide range of executive jets. Component weight estimations as suggested by literature for CS-23 and CS-25 aircraft are compared for their applicability to the investigated class. Performance is assessed with a multitude of study missions throughout the payload range diagram from top-level findings down to simulated flight segments. Results confirm a good approximation of the reference data and highlight future potential for improvements of MICADO. Lastly, a parameter study conducted for a composite wing retrofit applies the analysis and optimization capabilities of MICADO to the reference aircraft.