OPTIMIZATION OF REVENUE SPACE OF A BLENDED WING BODY

Abstract

The revenue space of an aircraft consists of the passenger cabin and the cargo hold. In case of passenger aircraft, the most important parameter is the cabin floor area. It correlates directly with the possible number of passengers. Blended Wing Body concepts do not have a tubular fuselage. The cabin can be arranged in different layouts within the aerodynamic shape. This paper analyses different concepts for passenger cabin and cargo hold arrangements, and investigates their potential benefit. Conceptual methods are used to estimate the mass of the pressurized vessel. Three different aerodynamic shapes are being investigated. The basic conclusion is that BWBs are a useful alternative beyond the capacity of current aircraft. Further, a twin deck arrangement appears as most promising solution to maximize revenue potential of the aircraft.