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Installation of a touch-sensitive control/display unit (touch-CDU) could improve the operational reliablility of future aircraft cockpits, providing that basic human factors issues are addressed early in the development phase of this device. The touch-CDU could be implemented with electronic displays to help: (1) reduce peak workload levels, (2) improve situational awareness, (3) improve the mental set of command and control over the process of flight, (4) reduce the number of controls outside of the optimum eye-hand envelope, (5) reduce crew error due to data-entry, (6) encourage cockpit designers to employ a systems approach. Although the technology exists to implement touch-CDUs in aircraft, several problem areas need to be studied: (1) the effects of turbulence, (2) glare and reflections, (3) cockpit location and orientation to the operator, (4) electronic display formats compatible with touch-entry activities.

Turbine fuel contaminants such as surface active agents, saline water, and iron rust provide an ideal environment for extensive growth of microorganisms in fuel, resulting in a serious corrosion problem to aircraft fuel systems. Contamination sources, means of entry into the aircraft, and effects on the fuel system are discussed. Recently developed detection methods and an improved quality control procedure which alleviate the problem are described.

Reduction of aircraft maintenance costs has been a challenge to aircraft operators for many years. It is well known that powerplant maintenance costs are a significant percentage of these total costs. Douglas Aircraft Co. is using new methods, checks, and controls during the early design phases to guarantee that established goals for the DC-10 will be achieved. Programs have been developed that will result in high system reliability and ensure optimum maintainability. This paper describes the implementation of these programs for powerplants and associated systems.

The DC-9 Super 80 Digital Flight Guidance System incorporates continuous system monitoring, inflight failure logging, and extensive test capability both for troubleshooting problems and for verifying the system operational status after maintenance action. This paper will discuss the evolution of Built In Test Equipment, its implementation and use in the DC-9 Super 80, some problems encountered in developing such a system, and speculation as to how system testing will be improved on future aircraft.

The paper provides an overview of the renewed interest in turboprop propulsion systems for future commercial transport designs. The potential operating cost advantage of advanced turboprop designs is shown relative to advanced turbofan designs. Critical technology items for the aerodynamic installation of turboprop propulsion systems are presented, along with experimental results addressing the main technology issue for wing-mounted turboprop installations. Nacelle installation effects are presented for overwing and underwing nacelles. The drag reduction for nacelle contouring is also shown. Wing/nacelle/power data are presented for the baseline wing geometry and for a wing modified to reduce the propeller power effects.