Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Transportations Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Volume 2
implemented by NASA, but significant further development is required before this
aircraft design is ready for commercialization.
With regard to the BWB aircraft, the large capital investments required to develop the
aircraft design and retool manufacturing operations to be able to construct the aircraft is a
significant factor for the introduction of this new aircraft. Additionally, airports where
these aircraft visit will need to modify passenger and cargo loading infrastructure to
service these unusually shaped aircraft (ADL, 2000). Policies and/or incentives may be
required (such as agreements to modify airports to accommodate new aircraft designs) in
order to minimize financial risk for the manufacturers.
Fleet-wide Aircraft Technology Improvement
On a fleet-wide basis, both aircraft engine and airframe technology improvements could
potentially increase efficiency by 1.4-2.3% annually between 2015–2035 relative to 2015 as
the base year, according to goals outlined in the National Aeronautics Research and
Development Plan developed by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC
2007).
New Tehcnology Initiative for Civil Aviation
FAA Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program
In 2009, FAA initiated the CLEEN program to mature and demonstrate engine and
airframe technologies by 2015 that will reduce fuel consumption, GHG emissions and
noise of current aircraft. CLEEN incorporates a 1:1 cost share with industry and is
targeting technologies for use on civil subsonic jet aircraft that could reduce fuel burn by
33%, NOx emissions by 60% (relative to CAEP 6 standards) and noise by 32 EPNdB
cumulative (relative to Stage 4 standards). CLEEN also strives to advance alternative fuel
development and qualification for aviation use. The FAA is coordinating technology
development efforts under CLEEN with stakeholders in NASA and the Air Force
Research Laboratory. Contracts will be awarded in early 2010.
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