Weights

This module provides empty weight approximations using mostly empirical textbook methods. Component positions within the aircraft are not considered; all masses are accumulated into a single number.

Conventional jet transport aircraft OEW: JetTransportEmptyWeight

This model combines estimates from Raymer[1], Roskam[2], and others to estimate the operating empty weight of a jet transport aircraft. The model includes two correction factor options: structural_fudge that multiplies structural weights and another total_fudge which multiplies the final total weight. A complete list of the required inputs and outputs can be found in OpenConcept’s API documentation, and more details are available in the source code.

This model uses the following components from the openconcept.weights module to estimate the total empty weight:

  • WingWeight_JetTransport

  • HstabConst_JetTransport

  • HstabWeight_JetTransport

  • VstabWeight_JetTransport

  • FuselageKws_JetTransport

  • FuselageWeight_JetTransport

  • MainLandingGearWeight_JetTransport

  • NoseLandingGearWeight_JetTransport

  • EngineWeight_JetTransport

  • EngineSystemsWeight_JetTransport

  • NacelleWeight_JetTransport

  • FurnishingWeight_JetTransport

  • EquipmentWeight_JetTransport

Blended wing body jet OEW: BWBEmptyWeight

This blended wing body empty weight model is a modified version of the JetTransportEmptyWeight buildup. It contains the following changes from the conventional configuration jet transport empty weight buildup:

  • Separate model for the weight of the pressurized portion of the centerbody for passengers or cargo (CabinWeight_BWB component)

  • Separate model for the weight of the unpressurized portion of the centerbody behind the passengers or cargo (AftbodyWeight_BWB component)

  • Removed fuselage and tail weights

Single-engine turboprop OEW: SingleTurboPropEmptyWeight

This model combines estimates from Raymer[1] and Roskam[2] to compute the total operating empty weight of a small single-engine turboprop aircraft. The engine and propeller weight are not computed since OpenConcept’s turboshaft and propeller models compute those separately. Thus, those weights must be provided to this component by the user.

This model uses the following components from the openconcept.weights module to estimate the total empty weight:

  • WingWeight_SmallTurboprop

  • EmpennageWeight_SmallTurboprop

  • FuselageWeight_SmallTurboprop

  • NacelleWeight_SmallSingleTurboprop

  • LandingGearWeight_SmallTurboprop

  • FuelSystemWeight_SmallTurboprop

  • EquipmentWeight_SmallTurboprop

For turboprops with multiple engines, NacelleWeight_MultiTurboprop may be used instead of NacelleWeight_SmallSingleTurboprop.

Twin-engine series hybrid OEW: TwinSeriesHybridEmptyWeight

This model uses all the same components as SingleTurboPropEmptyWeight, except it adds weight inputs required by the user to account for the hybrid propulsion system. The additional weights, which are computed by other OpenConcept components, are electric motor weight and generator weight.