A Usage-Based Analysis Method for Predicting Fleet Fuel Sayings Due to Aircraft Improvements

摘要

High fuel prices and increasing budgetary pressures are renewing interest in improvements that increase the fuel efficiency of existing aircraft fleets. Proposed improvements range from devices that decrease aircraft drag to reductions in aircraft empty weight. To perform a proper cost-benefit analysis of any of these initiatives, an accurate assessment of the potential fleet-wide reduction in fuel consumption must be obtained. Traditional approaches analyze a limited set of mission profiles or operating conditions to determine the change to fuel burn due to improvements. However, historical, fleet-wide usage data provide greater insight into actual operational conditions and form a better basis for assessments. This paper introduces a method to apply usage data, in the form of cumulative annual time at a range of operating conditions, to evaluate fuel savings. Assumptions and limitations of this usage-based analysis (UBA) method are discussed and validated. A sample case is shown using micro-vanes, a drag-reduction device by Lockheed Martin for the C-130 tactical transport.