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Loftin, L. K., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Loftin, L. K., Jr..

Subsonic aircraft: Evolution and the matching of size to performance

Methods for estimating the approximate size, weight, and power of aircraft intended to meet specified performance requirements are presented for both jet-powered and propeller-driven aircraft. The methods are simple and require only the use of a pocket computer for rapid application to specific sizing problems. Application of the methods is illustrated by means of sizing studies of a series of jet-powered and propeller-driven aircraft with varying design constraints. Some aspects of the technical evolution of the airplane from 1918 to the present are also briefly discussed.

Loftin, L. K., Jr.

Toward a second-generation supersonic transport.

A number of promising avenues of research and development are considered in relation to an advanced supersonic transport which has improved range/payload characteristics and lower airport noise and sonic boom than current-generation supersonic transports. The prospects for advanced technology suggest that a high lift-to-drag-ratio configuration incorporating advanced materials and control concepts and utilizing a variable-cycle engine or perhaps an advanced dry turbojet, will yield an advanced supersonic transport which is economically viable and socially acceptable. Hydrogen fuel offers great promise for future supersonic aircraft, however, the formidable problems associated with the use of such fuel probably precludes its use on any near term second-generation supersonic transport. The state of technology in some of the areas discussed is not very far advanced and, consequently, a major effort will be required to bring these technologies to a state of readiness on a timely basis.

Loftin, L. K., Jr.

Aeronautical vehicles - 1970 and beyond

Air transportation beyond 1970, discussing general aviation, short haul systems, STOL, helicopter, V/STOL, subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic aircraft

Loftin, L. K., Jr.