The Influence of Engine Technology Advancements on Aircraft Economics

A technology advancement in a new powerplant has both favorable and unfavorable effects, that is, increased bypass ratio and compression ratio, coupled with high turbine temperature, improve performance but also increase engine price and maintenance cost. Such technology advancements must be carefully evaluated in terms of environmental, performance, and cost effects to be sure that the benefits outweigh the possible penalties.

The factors that should be evaluated in choosing an engine for airline use are discussed. These factors are evaluated and compared for two engines that might be considered for future 150-200 passenger airplanes: an all-new turbofan and a quiet derivative of an existing first generation turbofan. The results of the performance and cost evaluations of the example engines are reduced to common units so they can be combined, using a technique suggested by American Airlines, Inc.