Energy Conserving Aircraft From The Engine Viewpoint

The increasing cost of hydrocarbon fuel inevitably intensifies the quest for lower engine SFC on the conventional aero gas turbine. This should not obscure the fact that minimising all aircraft direct operating costs is the ultimate yardstick for the engine designer. Higher fuel prices may change priorities in engine design and justify more complex and expensive engines particularly for longer range operations. Optimum engine design for shorter range can be significantly different because of the implication of cyclic life on air cooled turbine blades. Lower specific thrust engines are worthy of close consideration particularly for short haul operation. More effort should be devoted to comprehensive studies of new powerplant concepts.