Systems Study for an Integrated Digital/Electric Aircraft (IDEA).

Abstract : This report documents the results of a nine-month systems study of concepts pertaining to the Integrated Digital/Electric Aircraft (IDEA), a broad-based investigation of related advanced electrical and digital systems. The performance and economics of an IDEA airplane and an Alternate IDEA configuration were evaluated to determine the potential benefits of the IDEA concepts and to identify the research and development required for potential application to transport aircraft in the early 1990s. This study assumed a 1990 airplane "go-ahead" based on technical readiness of: * Active controls technology 3 * Energy Efficient Engine (E ) technology * Advanced supercritical wing technology * Composite structures technology * Other technologies certifiable within the intent of FAR, Parts 25 and 36 The IDEA aircraft also included the following additional technology: * Digital fly-by-wire flight control system with electromechanical actuators and no mechanical backup * Electrically driven environmental control systems * No engine bleed for hydraulic or pneumatic power generation * Electric starting * Non-hot-air cowl and wing de-icing