Research Study of Cost Effectiveness of Auxiliary Launch Systems Applicable to Commercial Transports for Purposes of Noise Abatement.
Abstract
A cost effectiveness study was made to determine the feasibility of reducing the noise associated with aircraft taking off by applying auxiliary launch power during aircraft acceleration on the ground. Auxiliary launch system categories considered were reaction jets, catapults, aircraft exhaust augmentation, and accelerating vehicle systems. The most optimum system studied was the Steam Zipper catapult. It was selected on the basis of its ability to handle the full range of aircraft (75,000 to 1,500,000 pound gross weight), its high speed capability (resulting in abbreviated take-off time and reduced noise level duration), shorter launch stroke (3882 feet versus 10,000 feet), ease of achieving bi-directional capability, and economy of operation. Other systems given detailed evaluation were the Jet Car accelerating vehicle and the Steam-turbine Capstan-driven Cable catapult. The basic goal of noise level reduction at take-off is accomplished to a significant degree by the selected launching technique. Cost of the launch system development program, the airport installation of a single prototype system, and the modification of five (5) aircraft (incorporation of launch hook(s) and high-speed landing gear) would be 25 to 32 million dollars based upon end speeds of 155 to 297 knots respectively, depending upon the degree of noise level reduction planned. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0732264
Entities
People
- F. M. Highley