Abstract :
The Boeing SST is being designed specifically to operate at speeds up to 1800 mi/h (2896.2 km/h) and altitudes in excess of 60 000 ft (18 288 m). At nearly three times the speed of subsonic jets and double their operating altitude, it will be capable of carrying 300 or more passengers over distances up to 4000 miles (6437.2 km). This increase in productivity will permit the continuation of growth in the air transportation industry by alleviating the constraints currently experienced by added numbers of less productive aircraft. Titanium structure, engines capable of over 60 000 lb (2.67 × 105N) maximum thrust each, and variable-sweep wings are just some of the features which set this advanced aircraft apart from present-day jet transports. Equally important, though seemingly less spectacular, are the significant advances in technology applied to the design of systems such as the electric power system, the integrated flight instrument system, the flight control electronics system, the airborne integrated data system, and the navigation system. A brief description of the airplane, its performance characteristics, and operating environment is presented. Emphasis is given to systems which differ from those of current commercial jet aircraft, with particular attention given to the electrical and electronic systems.
