One of the most ambitious objectives in modern aerospace engineering is the development of a supersonic passenger aircraft that is both silent and efficient. In the global competition to develop the next generation of supersonic aircraft, Russia stands out by its distinctive technological aspirations and approach. Academician Sergey Chernyshov, the scientific director of TsAGI and the vice president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, while speaking to Aviaport, offered a comprehensive examination of the innovations, challenges, and developments that are influencing this field.
Unique Russian Approach to Supersonic Passenger Aircraft
Although the primary objectives of supersonic passenger aircraft development are universal—namely, to enhance fuel-efficiency, mitigate sonic boom, and mitigate ground disturbance in comparison to previous models such as the Tu-144 and Concorde—Russia’s methodology is unique. Western manufacturers generally concentrate on transatlantic and transpacific routes, where sonic noise restrictions are less restrictive. In contrast, Russia’s objective is to develop aircraft that are capable of conducting transcontinental flights over densely populated regions, which requires extraordinarily low levels of sonic boom intensity.
Key Research Directions in the Russian Supersonic Civil Aircraft Project
Several sectors are prioritized in the Russian project, SGS (Supersonic Civil Aircraft):
- Development of a Domestic Gas Turbine Engine: This engine must be capable of delivering the necessary thrust and fuel efficiency to support sustained supersonic flight for a duration exceeding four hours.
- Researchers are investigating the use of bionic and lattice designs to reduce the weight of airframes, a factor that is essential for both environmental impact and performance.
- Integrated Powerplant and Airframe Design: This encompasses distinctive top-mounted air apertures and low-noise nozzle systems.
- Shape Optimization of the Fuselage: The fuselage, wings, and rear are engineered to reduce sonic boom by employing sophisticated algorithms that consider actual atmospheric conditions and turbulence.
International Standards and Sonic Boom Reduction
The international standard for sonic explosion has not yet been established. Russian scientists are actively engaged in the development of these norms by ICAO working groups. The new standards will necessitate the development of new diagnostic and measurement techniques, as they will be profoundly different from traditional noise and emission regulations. According to Russian research, the pressure increase resulting from a sonic explosion should not exceed 15 pascals, which is significantly lower than the 100–140 pascals of the Tu-144 and Concorde. The objective is to achieve a decibel level of approximately 65, which is comparable to the noise levels of urban areas. These values are potential candidates for future international standards.
The Critical Importance of Weight
Weight is an equally critical factor for supersonic aircraft as it is for spacecraft. In order to surmount the wave drag barrier and sustain cruise velocities of Mach 1.6–1.8, 0.35–0.4 kg of engine thrust is required for each kilogram of aircraft weight. An increase in fuel consumption and emissions is necessary for heavier aircraft, as they require more propulsion. Additionally, weight reduction is essential for both economic and environmental reasons, as the ground-level sonic noise is approximately proportional to the square root of the aircraft’s weight.
Current Progress: The “Strizh” Technology Demonstrator
Russia is presently in the design phase of the “Strizh” technology demonstrator, which boasts a composite fuselage section with a mesh structural scheme and a distinctive elongated nose for sonic boom reduction. The demonstrator employs sophisticated Russian software to simulate the propagation of sonic booms in actual atmospheric conditions and includes a fiber-optic strain monitoring system. Russian pilots successfully tested a flying laboratory outfitted with technical vision systems in April, operating the aircraft without a traditional cockpit window. This demonstration was a significant step toward the development of future “dark cockpit” designs that utilize augmented reality.
Pilot Assistance Technologies and the “Dark Cockpit”
It is probable that traditional cockpit windows will be replaced by artificial vision systems and potentially augmented reality in future Russian supersonic aircraft as a result of aerodynamic requirements. This transition necessitates onboard systems that are highly intelligent and capable of furnishing pilots with all essential situational information, thereby reducing cognitive burden and improving safety.
Global Research and Collaboration
Supersonic research is currently underway in the EU, Japan, China, and Russia, in addition to the United States. TsAGI has been involved in international initiatives such as RUMBLE, which are designed to establish sonic boom standards for future civil supersonic aircraft. Russian wind tunnel experiments have shown that it is feasible to attain both exceptional aerodynamics and exceptionally low sonic boom levels. There are numerous aircraft configurations that are currently being considered, including small business jets that can accommodate 6–8 passengers and larger models that can accommodate 12–80 passengers.
The Function of Composites in Advanced Materials
Modern designs are typically hybrid metal-composite structures, and composite materials are being used more frequently in aviation. Composites now account for approximately 50% of the aircraft’s weight. The properties of advanced materials are being fully exploited through ongoing research into novel structural principles, including bionic frameworks and mesh.
Aviation Artificial Intelligence
The introduction of fuzzy logic into the flight control systems of the Tu-204 marked the first instance of artificial intelligence (AI) in Russian civil aviation, which considerably enhanced safety. These principles have since been applied to more recent aircraft, such as the MC-21 and Superjet 100. AI is demonstrating its value in other domains, including the analysis of wind tunnel and flight test data and pattern recognition for unmanned aerial vehicles, although current regulations prohibit the use of neural networks in flight control systems.
The Concept of the “Virtual Pilot”
Although there is no universally accepted definition of a “virtual co-pilot,” the term denotes a software-hardware system that is thoroughly integrated and capable of performing all the functions of a human co-pilot. This system would ensure flight safety and reduce the workload of the personnel by providing situational analysis, warnings, and recommendations. Certain systems, such as runway overshoot warning systems, are currently operational.
Achieving Technological Sovereignty
In the realm of civil aviation, Russia is progressing toward complete technological autonomy. This drive is exemplified by the MC-21, which is currently undertaking testing with all-domestic systems. The objective is to eliminate dependence on foreign components, necessitating the swift development and implementation of critical technologies throughout the industry. Chernyshov asserts that Russia is accomplishing this at a rate that is approximately twice as rapid as the global average, particularly in critical sectors.
In conclusion,
A complex, multidisciplinary challenge that encompasses aerodynamics, materials science, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering is the development of a new generation of civil supersonic aircraft. Russia prioritizes international collaboration, technological sovereignty, and innovative design. The idea of environmentally friendly, efficient, and quiet supersonic travel is becoming more attainable as research advances and new standards are established. The field of aerospace continues to be dynamic and brimming with opportunities for the upcoming generation of engineers and scientists.
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