Turbo-electric Vehicle Study - A techno-economic and environmental risk assessment of NASA's N3-X

摘要

With the increasing environmental awareness of modern aviation, aircraft technology development is working towards challenging goals that require new, revolutionary aircraft. New commercial technology must prove itself from both performance and economic perspectives, as adoption of new concepts can be a significant investment. This research presents a combined techno-economic assessment of one such conceptual design based on NASA's blended wing body N3-X aircraft. A techno-economic framework was utilised, using a number of modules for aircraft and engine performance, direct operating cost, and investment cost analyses. Technological simulation suggests that the aircraft will exceed the stated target of 60% energy savings versus a 2005 entry into service baseline aircraft. Predicted maximum ferry range for the kerosene fuelled aircraft was estimated to be in the region of 13,924 nautical miles, in comparison to the baseline's 10,500 nautical miles. An economic assessment in comparison to the baseline aircraft suggests that the N3-X may achieve a direct operating cost saving in the region of 10%, increasing to 20% with a greater mission range. Further for the aircraft to remain economically viable, an investment cost analysis was undertaken.