F93B - CAD model, performance evaluation, role conversion and cost prediction.

Abstract

European air forces have a general requirement for a new, multi-purpose large aircraft. Whilst the major need is for a replacement for the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, it is envisaged that the aircraft should be capable of fulfilling other roles. These include anti-submarine maritime patrol and tanker missions. This thesis discusses the construction of a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the F93B and outlines the process required to convert the CAD model into a physical model. It also evaluates in detail the overall performance and costs of the F93B turbo-prop aircraft and basic pressure loading for the wing an fuselage using the SPARV aerodynamic panel program. Additionally, the conversion of the aircraft into an anti-submarine maritime patrol aircraft was assessed. The F93B proved to be a very capable aircraft with a maximum take-off distance requirement of 1375m which was well within the design specification of 1500m. The rate of climb and service ceiling were a considerable improvement on the C-130 and the 3-engine performance of the F93B was exceptional. The F93B has a ferry range of 10186km compared with 8750km for the C-130 and the payload/range requirement was exceeded by 475km (8.6%). The role conversion to a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) involved the addition of a large quantity of equipment both internally and externally including tactical operators positions, surveillance equipment, sonobuoys, radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) as well as offensive and defensive weapons for anti-submarine warfare. The maximum endurance of the F93BMPA with an internal fuel tank fitted is 14.6 hours which meets the specification laid down by the RAF for its maritime patrol aircraft of the future. However, the lack of a bomb bay means that the F93B has a limited offensive capability. The unit cost of the basic F93B transport aircraft is US$ 51.1 million providing at least 200 aircraft are manufactured whilst the unit cost of the F93BMPA variant rises to US$ 63 million. The operating costs per flight hour are US$ 3381 and US$ 5765 respectively.