Background:
There is a need for alternative fuels and environmentally friendly aircraft that can meet our nation’s needs in light of the effects of petroleum-based fuels on our environment.  Most existing aircraft require fuels that are drop-in replacements for petroleum based fuel.  However, development of aviation technologies and operations to improve the energy efficiency are key elements of our long-term national goals for aeronautical research.  This includes aircraft design improvements to utilize alternative fuels and reduce environmental impacts.  Utilizing new technologies and operational procedures, which also reduce fuel consumption are crucial.  Other key aspects include improved lift-to-drag, weight fractions and engine efficiency.  Some technologies to consider are enhanced laminar flow and active controls for aircraft and engine design, use of and integration of high bypass ratio engines, advancements in material and structures technology, and advancements in navigation equipment. The goal is to enhance the aircraft and engine efficiencies and optimize aircraft operations to minimize fuel burn, noise and emissions.  The aircraft systems that minimize the trade-off between performance and environmental effects are most desirable.

Project Objective:
This RFP is for a future (2020) aircraft design that incorporates new technologies, operational procedures and alternative fuels.  The design will target improvement in accordance with the National Aeronautics Research and Development Challenges, Goals and Objective.   A 25% improvement lift-to-drag ratio should be targeted based on novel configuration utilizing multidiscipline configuration optimization and laminar flow technology.  The resulting design should be assessed based on the configuration performance improvement, incorporation of new technologies, impacts of the alternative fuels, and emission requirements on the aircraft systems and planform.  Identifying specific improvements to the environment in terms of carbon footprint, emissions and noise will be necessary as part of the design study.  Other impacts on the economics such as increasing fuel costs and taxes on carbon footprint should be considered.  The design shall be considered a 737NG/A320 replacement aircraft to have the greatest impact.  The design shall be evaluated in relationship to its improvement over the aircraft it replaces.