ADVANCED CARGO AIRCRAFT SIZE OPTIMIZATION

A knowledge-based simulation was developed and exercised to determine optimum vehicle sizes for the Army’s next generation cargo helicopter, the Advanced Cargo Aircraft (ACA). Upon review of 264 different aircraft sizes, optimum combinations of cabin dimensions and payload lift capability were determined for single and tandem rotor helicopter configurations. Optimum vehicle sizes were selected based on productivity and mission effectiveness parameters, and preliminary designs were developed to assess costs and to identify technology issues. An aircraft with a 26,000 pound payload capacity in “hot and high” conditions, 270 nautical mile radius of action, and a 35 × 9 × 9 foot cabin was determined to be optimum.