The Ostrich,three-fuselage very large transport aircraft

[hesham]

Hi,

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19940020490_1994020490.pdf

 

[Tophe]

Thanks for this wonderful project, military transport 1993.
And great analysis: "Studies have shown that a multibody aircraft configuration offers
many of the advantages of a span-distributed-load aircraft while retaining
configurational and operational characteristics much like those of
conventional transport aircraft. Reduced wing root bending moments and
reduced costs were the main factors in choosing the multibody
configuration concept. Reduced wing bending moment is accomplished by
distributing the load along the wing. This in turn reduces the overall
weight of the wing due to the reduction in the amount of structure
required.
The overall cost of the multibody aircraft can be reduced by using
existing fuselages instead of designing a single fuselage that is capable of
handling this size payload. A further reduction in cost is obtained from
part commonalty associated with the use of multiple fuselages and
empennages.
Another consideration in choosing this configuration was the ability
to load and unload the aircraft efficiently. The three-body configuration,
because it has multiple cargo loading doors, offers reduced loading times
and therefore minimizing turnaround times.
A two-body configuration would have advantages similar to the
three-body configuration, such as effective span-loading and low
turnaround time. However, a distinct disadvantage to a two-body design
would be a significant reduction in ride quality during maneuvering
because the location of the crew and troops would not be along the
centerline of the aircraft. Also, existing fuselages could not be
incorporated into the design, because of insufficient cargo capabilities.

 

[Tophe]

I like also the tail analysis with this drawing of proposals: