Conceptual design and optimization of a strut-braced wing full electric regional aircraft with distributed propulsion

Gilbrook, Aaron J., Ma, Yiyuan and Elham, Ali (2023) Conceptual design and optimization of a strut-braced wing full electric regional aircraft with distributed propulsion. In AIAA AVIATION 2023 Forum. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.. (doi:10.2514/6.2023-4428).

Abstract

Novel and advanced airframe and propulsion technologies serve as a priority for future aircraft design in today’s climate, with the primary aim of maximising performance, and thus energy efficiency, while also exploring environmental challenges. This paper aims to incorporate novel airframe and propulsion technologies to a new fully-electric regional aircraft conceptual design, with the same top-level requirements of ATR 72-600. The aim is to design a fully battery-electric aircraft with strut-braced ultra-high aspect ratio wing equipped with distributed propulsion. The design process follows conceptual design procedures, with subsequent mission, weight and aerodynamic analysis conducted in the aircraft design environment SUAVE, modified based on the new technologies. Sensitivity analysis is also presented on the key parameters of the novel design features to greater analyse the overall effects of their implementation. The present research ultimately shows a 7% increase in energy efficiency from the ultra-high aspect ratio wing, with an additional 6% from the effects of distributed propeller propulsion.

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