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A design study was performed for an advanced subsonic transport having a payload of 150 passengers and a 2500 NMi range with maximum payload. The development of the baseline aircraft is explained with attention to geometric constraints, design for growth, operational requirements, and interior layout. Computer modeling was performed using a new version of AirCraft SYNThesis (ACSYNT) which includes: an integrated beam structural analysis method for the wing and fuselage; NASA Engine Performance Program (NEPP) for propulsion cycle and weights analysis; and Aircraft Life Cycle Cost Analysis (ALCCA) for manufacturing and operations cost and cash flow analyses. All programs are incorporated within ACSYNT to permit optimization of the input parameters, with either aircraft gross weight or design mission direct operating cost as a figure of merit. In addition, sensitivity studies of the best design are presented for wing aspect ratio and engine design point bypass ratio.

Aviation has experienced one hundred years of dynamic growth and change, resulting in the current air transportation system dominated by commercial airliners in a hub and spoke infrastructure. The first fifty years of aviation was a very chaotic, rapid evolutionary process involving disruptive technologies that required frequent adaptation. The second fifty years produced a stable evolutionary optimization of services based on achieving an objective function of decreased costs. In the third wave of aeronautics over the next fifty years, there is the potential for aviation to transform itself into a more robust, scalable, adaptive, secure, safe, affordable, convenient, efficient, and environmentally fare and friendly system.

Aviation has experienced one hundred years of evolution, resulting in the current air transportation system dominated by commercial airliners in a hub and spoke infrastructure. While the first fifty years involved disruptive technologies that required frequent vehicle adaptation, the second fifty years produced a stable evolutionary optimization of decreasing costs with increasing safety. This optimization has resulted in traits favoring a centralized service model with high vehicle productivity and cost efficiency. However, it may also have resulted in a system that is not sufficiently robust to withstand significant system disturbances. Aviation is currently facing rapid change from issues such as environmental damage, terrorism threat, congestion and capacity limitations, and cost of energy. Currently, these issues are leading to a loss of service for the weaker spoke markets.