THree strEam commercial and Military Engines (THEME)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | GKN Aerospace Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 323 000 |
| Project duration | July 2023 - December 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strengthened Swedish aeronautical research and development |
Important results from the project
Recent discussions on the re-introduction of supersonic transport have motivated the analysis of a Concorde-like aircraft using state-of-the-art technology. A concept, like what has been proposed by the BOOM company is studied evaluating a non-afterburning mixed flow turbofan having a single stage fan for 1.7 Mach cruise. The analysis includes the evaluation of installation drag, engine mass variation, intake losses and fan performance with specific thrust.
Expected long term effects
The project´s results are aimed at deepening the environmental discussions around civil supersonic aviation. This will be a result of an increased understanding of noise emissions and how these relate to critical design parameters in engines, and partly by demonstrating that today´s technology is still very far from reaching the environmental performance achieved by conventional subsonic aviation.
Approach and implementation
In the project THEME a post-doc studied literature of recent civil supersonic aircraft development. Range and payload for a supersonic transport aircraft was estimated. The aircraft was modelled to simulate a mission, and calculate the propulsion requirements. A design of an inlet and turbofan engine was optimized to minimize the fuel consumption and weight of the aircraft. In cooperation with the project team, twelve undergraduate aerospace students have developed similar aircraft designs.