The Modernization Concept of Aircraft An-26 and An-140 Based on the Use of a Hybrid Power System

Abstract

This paper reports a modernization concept of aircraft An-26 and An-140 based on the use of a hybrid basic propulsion system (HBPS). The study object is the aircraft of transport and passenger categories in the weight dimension from 20 to 25 tons. The analysis of the ways of modernization has shown that under the new market conditions two directions in the development of light aircraft «Antonov» become relevant. The first is the modernization of the existing fleet of An-26, the second is the construction of an An-140T ramp transport variant based on the An-140 aircraft. One of the considered ways of such modernization is to equip the aircraft with hybrid basic propulsion systems consisting of the gas-turbine and power electric motors, which drive the rotation of the propeller. The use of HBPS makes it possible to optimize the operation of the gas-turbine engine over a narrow traction-speed range ‒ only for the cruising section of the flight. This makes it possible to design a GTE with high fuel and weight efficiency. In this case, noise and harmful emissions could be significantly lower. The analysis has been given of existing aviation hybrid propulsion systems with recommendations on the choice of the optimal scheme to modernize aircraft An-26 and An-140. It is proposed to solve the task by choosing the option of a basic propulsion system with a moderate degree of hybridization, based on the well-established engine TV3-117VMA-SBM1. That improves the flight range of An-26 and An-140 with a payload capacity of 4.5‒5 tons by 1.4‒1.7 times, respectively. The results obtained confirm the correctness of the proposed modernization concept. The analysis results demonstrate a significant improvement in the flight characteristics of the aircraft, as well as compliance with current and projected environmental standards. The results reported could be recommended for the practical modernization of aircraft An-26 and An-140