The ideal propulsion system

This necessarily brief introduction to the subject of aircraft propulsion has shown that there is a wide variety of systems available. The choice depends on the speed or Mach number range required and the role for which the aircraft is to be used. There is no universally ideal system. Figure 6.42 summarises the suitability for civil transport applications, of some of the propulsion systems described above. In practice, there is a considerable degree of overlap in the choice for a particular category.

(i) Supersonic transport aircraft (j)

Fig. 6.42 Major civil transport applications for the various propulsion systems

Recommended further reading

Golley, J., Whittle: the true story, Airlife Publishing Ltd, Shrewsbury, 1987.

Jones, G., The jet pioneeers, Methuen, London, 1989. Includes a good description of both German and British work.

Procs RAeS Conference, Advanced propellers and their installation in aircraft, September 1988.

Rolls-Royce, The jet engine, 4th edn, Rolls-Royce plc, Derby, 1986.

Whittle, F., Jet: the story of a pioneer, Muller, 1953. From the horse’s mouth.

In previous chapters we have examined the various components of the aircraft. In this chapter we will consider the aircraft from the operational point of view. We will also examine the compromises which need to be made because of conflicting requirements and constraints.

Before we look at the aircraft itself it is useful to know something about the environment in which it flies and the way in which the pilot can obtain information in order to plan his actions. We therefore start by considering the atmosphere and the way in which the speed and altitude of the aircraft are measured.