Commercial Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Potential Through 2010

Abstract

ft are second only to motor vehicles in the use of motor fuels, and air travel is growing twice as fast. Since 1970 air travel has more than tripled, but the growth of fuel use has been restrained by a near doubling of efficiency, from 26.2 seat miles per gallon (SMPG) in 1970 to about 49 SMPG in 1989. This paper explores the potential for future efficiency improvements via the replacement of existing aircraft with 1990's generation and post 2000 aircraft incorporating advances in engine and airframe technology. Today, new commercial passenger aircraft deliver 50--70 SMPG. New aircraft types scheduled for delivery in the early 1990's are expected to achieve 65--80 SMPG. Industry and government researchers have identified technologies capable of boosting aircraft efficiencies to the 100--150 SMPG range. Under current industry plans, which do not include a post-2000 generation of new aircraft, the total aircraft fleet should reach the vicinity of 65 SMPG by 2010. A new generation of 100--150 SMPG aircraft introduced in 2005 could raise the fleet average efficiency to 75--80 SMPG in 2010. In any case, fuel use will likely continue to grow at from 1--2%/yr. through 2010. 20 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.

Original document

The different versions of the original document can be found in:

• https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1193324/m2/1/high_res_d/6557452.pdf

• http://xplorestaging.ieee.org/ielx4/5796/15509/00716467.pdf?arnumber=716467,

http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/iecec.1990.716467

• https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/6557452,

https://academic.microsoft.com/#/detail/1922203095