Noise and emission targeted economic trade-off for next generation single-aisle aircraft

A methodology focusing on the evaluation of noise and emission specific direct operating cost components for future aircraft concepts is presented and applied to compare a geared turbofan versus an open rotor powered single-aisle aircraft. High uncertainties in the future development of airline environmental regulations, restrictions and charges complicate the noise and emission related evaluation of new aircraft. The implementation concept is based on the combination of classical procedures for economic aircraft evaluation with scenario techniques.

► The paper presents a method for noise and emission related economic aircraft evaluation.
► Open rotor aircraft may provide higher fuel efficiency than geared turbofan aircraft but are noisier.
► Depending on fuel price and aircraft regulatory developments open rotor aircraft might be more expensive to operate than a geared turbofan aircraft.