New Low-Pressure-Ratio Fans for Quiet Business Aircraft Propulsion

Within the next few years tighter restrictions on general aviation aircraft noise are expected. It is anticipated that these noise restrictions, like those imposed on larger transport aircraft now certified under Federal Aircraft Regulations, will be revised downward over a period of time. While it is expected that initial restrictions can be met by the current propeller technology, the larger lower tip speed propellers necessary to meet succeedingly more stringent restrictions may prove difficult to accept. In this paper an alternative to the propeller as a propulsor for general aviation aircraft is discussed. This is the subsonic tip speed low-pressure ratio fan which can be mated to turboshaft, rotary combustion, or reciprocating engines to provide a low noise propulsor in a small package. Information is presented which shows tradeoffs among noise, weight, size, cost, and performance. Examples are included to show the influence of various noise targets on fan configuration and engine muffler requirements.