Performance figures of merit for turbojet/fan transport aircraft performance comparison and conceptual design

Abstract

A set of aircraft performance figures of merit for different phases of flight mission is derived from aircraft performance equations. In addition, an overall performance figure of merit combining the derived performance figures of merit is introduced. Presented performance figures of merit can be used in comparison of the turbojet/fan transport aircraft performance. The derived figures of merit can be calculated from published data of existing aircraft. In addition, a method to predict aerodynamic and propulsion characteristics of a given aircraft is introduced. Moreover, an application of the usage of performance figures of merit in conceptual design of new aircraft is presented