How Propulsive Efficiency Influences Aircraft Configuration ?

Currently, many aerospace researchers prefer to design various aircraft configurations based on familiar engine arrangements, aiming to achieve maximum payload capacity or the highest possible flight speed. However, this type of research cannot achieve the maximum reduction in fuel consumption. In other words, fuel remains the primary energy source driving aircraft operation to this day.

Considering the impact of greenhouse effects, the evolution of propulsion systems and the transition away from the current energy source "fossil fuel" are unavoidable and must be pursued. Conventional aircraft typically use a small number of large engines installed beneath the wings or near the fuselage. In contrast, distributed propulsion systems use a large number of smaller engines that are distributed across as much of the aircraft structure as possible. However, this so-called “evolution” is not limited to engine arrangement alone. When the energy source changes, the aircraft configuration must also adapt to the new energy distribution.

Through this integration and evolution, a new generation of aircraft configurations can emerge. Future aircraft configuration evaluation should consider different energy-based designs:

i. Fuel-based aircraft configuration

ii. Electric-powered aircraft configuration

iii. Hybrid-powered aircraft configuration

iii. Solar-powered aircraft configuration

iv. Wind-assisted or aerodynamic energy-based aircraft configuration

v. Electromagnetic propulsion concepts