Decision support modeling in the procedure of increasing load capacity and flight efficiency of transport category aircraft modifications
Authors: Kapitanova Liudmyla , Riabkov Viktor , Koryagin Andriy 
Published: February 2025

Enhancing flight efficiency is a pressing issue in the development of the aircraft manufacturing industry. Aircraft manufacturers in Europe, the USA, China, and Ukraine are following this path of improvement for such aircraft, as it is the most economically efficient approach. This method significantly reduces the time required for design, prototype production, flight testing, and the start of operation of the first units. At the National Aerospace University "KhAI", the Department of Aircraft and Helicopter Design has established a school focused on implementing necessary modification changes in transport category aircraft. The distinctive feature of this approach is that only outdated parameters of a well-proven baseline aircraft are modified, while the majority of the parameters are carried over to the modification from the original version. This foundation underpins the research presented in this publication. The research aims to develop parametric models to support decision-making during the preliminary design stage for enhancing the load capacity and flight efficiency of transport category aircraft modifications. Research methods: a method of changes assessing in wing induced drag with modifications in its planform shape; a method of "payload-range" characteristics creation. The object of the research is the development of parametric models to support decision-making during the preliminary design stage of transport category aircraft modifications. The following results were obtained a package of models was developed, including: ensuring the specified load capacity and "payload-range" characteristics; a temporal model of parameter changes in modifications considering the time frame for modifications; cost indicators for changes at individual stages and throughout the entire life cycle; representation of modifications in terms of their competitiveness; formation of wing geometric shapes with minimal induced drag at a given lift; ensuring that the takeoff and landing characteristics of modifications remain at the level of the baseline aircraft; coordination of wing lift coefficients and engine throttle characteristics to ensure minimum fuel consumption in cruise flight mode. Each model serves as a tool to address the main tasks of increasing load capacity and the range of useful payload transport at the moment of modification introduction and throughout its entire life cycle. Examples of real modification changes in domestic transport aircraft, such as the An-32, An-32B, and An-132U, demonstrate that using the proposed decision support models during the preliminary design stage has ensured their competitiveness throughout their operational life. Practical significance of the obtained results: Based on the developed models, the load capacity and flight efficiency of modifications like the An-32 and An-32B have been increased, and the parameters of the An-132U modification with Motor Sich engines have been optimized, surpassing the load capacity and flight efficiency of all other analogs of light military transport aircraft. Scientific novelty of the obtained results: For the first time, a method was developed to minimize induced drag during cruise flight with the required lift force, i.e., for a given load, allowing an increase in the range of modified aircraft.