The design of future cargo aircraft is affected by environmental constraints, escalation of the cost of fuel, and inflation of the costs of development and operation. This paper presents the results of Lockheed parametric design studies of the application of advances in technology to future subsonic cargo aircraft envisioned for operation in the 1990 - 2000 time period. The relationship between air cargo growth and cargo aircraft design is addressed in terms of aircraft capacity, containerization of cargo, and the aircraft and ground interface. The benefits of advanced technologies on environmental impact are illustrated in improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise levels, and reduced energy cargo aircraft. The advanced technologies utilized to provide potential benefits in fuel efficiency and operating economy include laminar flow control, advanced composite structures, and advanced turbofan and turboprop engines. Design concepts include high aspect ratio wings, distributed-load spanloader configurations, and wing-in-ground effect.
