University of Tripoli

Faculty of Engineering
Aeronautical Department

Aircraft Design Assignment #1

Due 22-3-2016
The mission profile shows the basic flight plan of the aircraft. It is typically a
schematic diagram, and shows each of the major flight segments.

FIGURE 1: MISSION PROFILE TO BE USED FOR MISSION ANALYSIS

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

Overall Objectives
The objective of the CAS program is to develop a new, next generation Close Air Support
(CAS) aircraft specifically designed to succeed the A-10 while significantly expanding upon
A-10 to the extent of bridging F-16 capabilities
CAS must function as an all-weather, day/night attack aircraft. Focused upon low-level attack
with specific emphasis placed upon anti-armor and providing air support for urban warfare,
the primary lethal mechanism for CAS will be at minimum a 30mm cannon of the GAU-8
class. Additionally, the low-cost aspects of the A-10 are desirable, so much effort should be
made to minimize the acquisition and life cycle cost of the design.
MINIMUM PERFORMACE REQUIREMENTS/CONSTRAINTS
General Configuration & Design
1. CAS must be a fixed wing aircraft.
2. CAS must be a manned aircraft.

3. PROPULSION: CAS must be powered by a powerplant(s). A requirement for a

specific type or number of powerplants is not specified. While multi-engine designs
are encouraged to ensure survivability, single engine designs are acceptable provided
adequate provisions are made to ensure overall improved reliability, maintainability
and survivability. Selected powerplant(s) must be in current service or anticipated to
enter service within the next 8 years.
Pay Load:
Fixed Armament (1) GAU-8 30 mm Cannon include in empty weight, Ammunition (2000
rounds) and (4) GBU-31 or (16) GBU -38 Data describing the GAU-8 is provided in
Appendix A
Performance & Systems Design
MISSION PROFILES: CAS must satisfy one specific Combat Mission Profile (CMP) as
specified in Figure 1
ACCOMODATION: CAS must incorporate provisions for single pilot operation, a zero-zero
escape system, bullet resistant/bird strike resistant canopy, armored cockpit. Crewmembers
ranging from 1st percentile female through the 99th percentile male (5 ft 4in/100 lbs through
6 ft 4 in/250 lbs)
STALL SPEED: CAS must demonstrate a level stall speed in the landing configuration of
no greater than 100 kts at SL/MTOW.
CORNER SPEED: CAS must demonstrate a standard level attack/combat entry corner speed
no greater than 275 kts at SL/MTOW
MAXIMUM LEVEL SPEED: CAS must demonstrate a maximum performance level speed
no less than 550 kts at optimum performance altitude.
RATE OF CLIMB: CAS must demonstrate a maximum initial rate of climb of at least
10,000 ft/min at SL/MTOW.
CEILING: CAS must demonstrate a maximum service ceiling of no less than 45,000 ft at
MTOW.
SUSTAINED TURN RATE:CAS must be capable of a sustained turn rate of 12 deg/sec at
15,000 ft and 75% MTOW.
FIELD LENGTH: CAS must be capable of operating from austere, unprepared forward
airstrips with field lengths of 2,000 ft x 75 ft or shorter at MTOW. CAS must feature
retractable landing gear capable of withstanding a 18 ft/s vertical descent rate. CAS takeoff
and landing cycles must handle a 30 kts/90 degree cross wind component.

Weight Take Off Guess Based on Historical Data

Aircraft Type

WPL
(lbs)
F.R. A10A
15,000
Grumman A6
17,000
Tornado F.Mk2
16,000
Average: 16,000

WTO
(lbs)
50,000
60,400
58,400
56,267

VMAX
(kts)
450
689
600
580

Range
(nm)
540
1,700
750
997

a) Find out the takeoff weight, operating empty weight, empty weight, and
Fuel weight for above aircraft. (Hand calculator. Show your work in detail)

APPENDIX A:
WEAPON DESCRIPTION
1. General Dynamics GAU-8/A 30mm Cannon
General Arrangement, Dimensions & Specifications

2. GBU-31(V)3/B
CHARACTERISTIC
Weight (lbs) *
Length (in) *
Tail Diameter (in)

GBU-31
2046
152.46
25.32

GBU-38
532
108.7
15