Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Neal, R. D..
General aviation aircraft fuel consumption and operating costs are closely linked to drag reduction methods. Improvements in airplane drag are envisioned for new models; their effects will be in the 5 to 10% range. Major improvements in fuel consumption over existing turbofan airplanes will be the combined results of improved aerodynamics plus additional effects from advanced turbofan engine designs.
A historical view of multi-jet engine installations is given that emphasizes integration of the powerplant and the airframe in aircraft design for improved reduction in external nacelle drag and interference drag characteristics.
Procedures and data for estimating drag were used to calculate the drag characteristics of the Model 25 airplane. Based on cruise flight test data obtained on the Model 25, these methods generally predicted the total drag characteristics within current acceptable and reasonable engineering accuracy.