Integrated Engine and Aircraft Mission Performance Analysis Using NPSS

An aircraft mission performance module has been developed in NPSS that allows for a collaborative environment for analysis of engine and aircraft mission performance. This model would provide a level of aircraft performance analysis that could be easily customized and exchanged between companies. The model is modular and allows easy integration of the aircraft aerodynamics, mass properties, and any other vehicle specific inputs into a standardized NPSS aircraft element. It also allows for a customizable run input interface that can integrate user input of mission segments, maneuvers, loadings, etc. This model was demonstrated on cases for analyzing different types of flight segments, technology assessment, and engine fault analysis. The creation of modular mission elements allows for quick creation of either standard or custom missions for analysis as well as plug and play capability with native NPSS models. The generic interface between the mission and vehicle make it easy to integrate a variety of engine and airframe models, including models that are not NPSS-based.