Improving the Efficiency of Engines for Large Nonfighter Aircraft

Because of the important national defense contribution of large, non-fighter aircraft, rapidly increasing fuel costs and increasing dependence on imported oil have triggered significant interest in increased aircraft engine efficiency by the U.S. Air Force. To help address this need, the Air Force asked the National Research Council (NRC) to examine and assess technical options for improving engine efficiency of all large non-fighter aircraft under Air Force command. This report presents a review of current Air Force fuel consumption patterns; an analysis of previous programs designed to replace aircraft engines; an examination of proposed engine modifications; an assessment of the potential impact of alternative fuels and engine science and technology programs, and an analysis of costs and funding requirements. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Selection of Candidates 3 Proposed Engine Modifications and Re-engining 4 TF33 Series Powered Aircraft 5 Recurring and Nonrecurring Cost Estimations 6 Other Considerations 7 Alternative Fuels 8 Technology Preparedness and Insertion 9 Acquisition, Financing, and Support Appendix A Biographical Sketches of Committee Members Appendix B Meetings and Speakers Appendix C Key Recommendations from Previous Studies Appendix D Background Information on Re-engining Requirements Appendix E Background Information on Lessons Learned from Previous Re-engining Programs Appendix F Background Information on Re-engining the C-130 Appendix G Sensitivity Analysis