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A Rapid Empirical Method for Estimating the Gross Takeoff Weight of a High Speed Civil TransportDuring the cruise segment of the flight mission, aircraft flying at supersonic speeds generate sonic booms that are usually maximum at the beginning of cruise. The pressure signature with the shocks causing these perceived booms can be predicted if the aircraft's geometry, Mach number, altitude, angle of attack, and cruise weight are known. Most methods for estimating aircraft weight, especially beginning-cruise weight, are empirical and based on least- square-fit equations that best represent a body of component weight data. The empirical method discussed in this report used simplified weight equations based on a study of performance and weight data from conceptual and real transport aircraft. Like other weight-estimation methods, weights were determined at several points in the mission. While these additional weights were found to be useful, it is the determination of beginning-cruise weight that is most important for the prediction of the aircraft's sonic-boom characteristics.
Document ID
20000023189
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Mack, Robert J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1999
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:209535
L-17743
NASA/TM-1999-209535
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 537-07-21
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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