Variable Cycle Engine Evaluations for Supersonic V/STOL Fighters. Phase II and III Technical Report.

摘要

Variable cycle engines (VCE) have been evaluated using advanced V/STOL fighter designs. The VCE payoffs were assessed in terms of total weapon system cost effectiveness and results indicate that they offer potential benefits in supersonic V/STOL fighters. A systematic engine/airframe evaluation procedure was developed and used to assess interactions for advanced engine concepts in L + L/C aircraft designs. The evaluation procedure provdies a rapid and inexpensive technique for evaluating engine concepts considering a large matrix for engine and airframe design and sizing variables. The procedure was used to establish a parametric data base using both fixed cycle turbofans and variable geometry turbine turbojets. Specific engine/airframe designs were then selected for detailed comparisons. Engine/airframe design evaluations were also conducted using a variable cycle turbofan engine capable of being used with both L + L/C and L/C aircraft. These aircraft designs were compared to the fixed cycle turbofan and variable geometry turbine turbojet aircraft designs in terms of TOGW, performance, life cycle cost and operational flexibility. (Author)