Improving the efficiency of engines for large nonfighter aircraft / Committee on Analysis of Air Force Engine Efficiency Improvement Options for Large Non-fighter Aircraft , Air Force Studies Board, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Research Council of the National Academies.

Includes bibliographical references.

Cover -- Preface and Acknowledgments -- Contents -- Acronyms -- Summary -- 1 Introduction -- Study Origin -- Overview of Air Force Fuel Consumption and Cost Structure -- Lessons Learned from Previous Re-engining Programs -- Force Structure for Future Study -- Additional Context -- Summary -- References -- 2 Selection of Candidates -- Determining Factors -- List of Candidate Aircraft and Methodology for Selection -- Summary Candidates for Study -- References -- 3 Proposed Engine Modifications and Re-engining -- KC-135 R/T Aircraft -- C-130 Aircraft -- B-1 Aircraft -- KC-10 Aircraft -- C-17 Aircraft -- References -- 4 TF33 Series Powered Aircraft -- Introduction -- E-8C JSTARS Weapons System -- E-3 AWACS Platform -- B-52 Aircraft -- KC-135 Aircraft -- References -- 5 Recurring and Nonrecurring Cost Estimations -- Analysis Approach -- Methodology and Basis for the Estimate -- Assumptions, Inputs, and Data -- Net Present Value Analysis -- Summary -- References -- 6 Other Considerations -- Aerodynamic Modifications -- Optimization of Operations -- Maintenance Practices -- Operational Practices -- Aircraft Weight Management -- Other Benefits of Re-engining -- References -- 7 Alternative Fuels -- Background -- Synthetic Fuel Properties, Specifications, and Re-engining -- Challenges to Producing Domestic Alternative Fuels -- Strategy for Qualifying Alternative Fuels -- Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Technology Promotion Act -- Summary -- References -- 8 Technology Preparedness and Insertion -- Introduction -- Turbine Engine Science and Technology Overview -- Potential for Specific Fuel Consumption Improvement -- Component Improvement and Engine Model Derivative Programs -- Turbine Engine Science and Technology Funding -- References -- 9 Acquisition, Financing, and Support -- Introduction -- Overview of Options -- Options in Group 1 -- Options in Group 2 -- Options in Group 3 -- References -- Appendixes -- Appendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members -- Appendix B: Meetings and Speakers -- Appendix C: Key Recommendations from Previous Studies -- Appendix D: Background Information on Re-engining Requirements -- Appendix E: Background Information on Lessons Learned from Previous Re-engining Programs -- Appendix F: Background Information on Re-engining the C-130 -- Appendix G: Sensitivity Analysis -- Last Page

Because of the important national defense contribution of large, non-fighter aircraft, rapidly increasing fuel costs and increasing dependence on imported oil have triggered significant interest in increased aircraft engine efficiency by the U.S. Air Force. To help address this need, the Air Force asked the National Research Council (NRC) to examine and assess technical options for improving engine efficiency of all large non-fighter aircraft under Air Force command. This report presents a review of current Air Force fuel consumption patterns; an analysis of previous programs designed to replace aircraft engines; an examination of proposed engine modifications; an assessment of the potential impact of alternative fuels and engine science and technology programs, and an analysis of costs and funding requirements.