The effect of advanced technology on the second-generation SST

Abstract

Technological developments that promise to substantially increase the efficiency of next-generation subsonic commercial aircraft, together with additional developments in supersonic aircraft aerodynamics, structures and propulsion systems, are presently evaluated in order to project the extent of performance and economic improvement obtainable for a future SST by comparison to the Concorde SST. It is demonstrated that the second-generation SST projected will double passenger-carrying capacity from 100 for the Concorde to 200, despite reducing takeoff gross weight from 400,000 to 321,000 lbs and extending range by some 2000 nm.