newsletter frigate ecojet (Фрегат Экоджет)

Newsletter – Frigate EcoJet Project

ОАО FPG Rosaviaconsortium

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Contents

Executive summary

History of the Frigate EcoJet project

Technical overview of the Frigate EcoJet project

Cooperation with TsAGI on Frigate EcoJet

Cooperation with UAC on Frigate EcoJet

Frigate EcoJet Airlines Advisory Board Formed

Frigate EcoJet brand

Frigate EcoJet project roadmap



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Executive summary

Over 18 months that have passed since the initiation of the Frigate EcoJet program

have become the most important stage for the development of the project’s

framework, creation of a highly skilled team of managers and designers, as well as

the development of the technical proposals for the new aircraft. Significant progress

has been made in all these areas, allowing us to continue implementing such an

ambitious and innovative project for the Russian and international aircraft industry.

Since its inception the Frigate EcoJet project aimed to incorporate the best modern

technologies in order to develop a breakthrough product for the market. First of all,

it is the remaining elements of the Soviet aircraft design school, once one of the

best in the world. In addition, the project attracts highly qualified young specialists, engineers and

designers, who think out of the box and generate innovative ideas and solutions. The project’s technical

and business management have an excellent understanding of the subject and access to the modern R&D

technologies. They also have a firm grasp on the processes and trends in the country’s economy and

industrial policy.

Another important area in the course of the project is the development of a high-quality empirical base. This

involved wide-scale research and forecasts on the airline market in Russia and abroad during R&D work

and preparation of technical proposals, as well as consultations with airlines; this work demonstrated

significant market potential of the Frigate EcoJet project. The project team has received a positive

conclusion from TsAGI on the technical proposals for the new aircraft in cooperation with the leading

Russian aircraft manufacturers. The specialists agreed that the proposed aircraft configuration is feasible

and allows to achieve 35% higher integrated efficiency compared to the current aircraft. It was the main

achievement of the design team since the project’s inception. Full support from the industry allows the

working group to continue developing the breakthrough project with optimism. Furthermore, all participants

of the project fully realize the lack of innovative solutions and technologies in Russia. Because of that, OAO

FPG Rosaviaconsortium, the project’s initiator, has signed an agreement with TsAGI to use the Frigate

EcoJet project as a foundation for the implementation of innovations developed by the Russian aircraft

industry.

The scope of work on the Frigate EcoJet project is immense. Next steps involve the preliminary design of

the future aircraft and improvement of the project’s financial and economic model. We consider various

financing options, but the most preferable, in our opinion, is the private-public partnership. Our goal is to

develop a clear and precise business model, possibly using an international technological base. At the

same time we are completely open for discussion on various options of the new aircraft’s development.

Large scale efforts have been done since April 2009. The achieved results are exciting. Starting from

scratch, the Frigate EcoJet team managed to bring the project to the next level, scoring victories day by

day. Probably the most important fact is that, having faced the initial difficulties, the working group retained

its optimism and enthusiasm. We continue the work on all planned tasks and hope that the Frigate EcoJet

project will become one of the successful venture projects in our country.

With best regards,

Dmitry Travnikov

Frigate EcoJet General Manager



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Fig. 1 IS-1 prototype testing in

the ADT T-106 wind tunnel at

TsAGI

History of the Frigate EcoJet project

OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium, the key participant in the Frigate EcoJet program, is one of the first

companies specializing in civil aviation and aircraft industry project management. The company was

created by the decree of the Russian Federation president #496, May 18 1995, in order to optimize and

facilitate the promotion of Russian aircraft in the national market, first of all the Tu-204 family. The

company’s shareholders comprised private investors, civil aircraft manufacturers (Tupolev ANTK) and OAO

Aeroflot.

The disintegration of traditional and organizational connections in the aircraft industry, civil aviation and

travel industry after the fall of Soviet Union prevented the development of Tu-204 mass production and

commissioning. New realities of the Russian economy required new approaches towards large-scale

aviation projects.

Innovative project-oriented approach towards complex inter-sector projects became the basis of the

company’s operations. During its 15-year history Rosaviaconsortium has successfully implemented a

number of various aviation projects.

Design works headed by Professor Valentin Klimov, celebrated Soviet and Russian aircraft designer and

Tupolev ANTK general designer in 1992-1997, became one of the most important fields for ОАО FPG

Rosaviaconsortium. A design bureau was created at OAO FPG

Rosaviaconsortium, which works on research and development of the

aircraft using a brand new integral aerodynamic and design configuration.

R&D and design projects involve scientists and designers from Tupolev

ANTK, NPO Molniya, TsAGI and SibNIIA. According to the engineers and

designers of the new bureau, traditional aircraft have reached a peak of

excellence, and further development should be conducted using new

aerodynamic configurations. The key goal is the design of a civil aircraft

using an integral aerodynamic configuration (where the wing and the

fuselage comprise a single unit), which was not previously used in civil

aircraft but was rather employed in the development of combat aircraft,

primarily bombers. Research, calculations and tests initiated by OAO FPG

Rosaviaconsortium in the beginning of the 2000s have led to the

development of the IS-1 integral configuration aircraft prototype. The tests

conducted in ADT T-106 wind tunnel at TsAGI have shown high aerodynamic qualities of the model and

high prospects of the proposed integral configuration aircraft.



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Fig.2 Frigate EcoJet exterior

The research done on the IS-1 project helped to create a comprehensive design base for the Frigate

EcoJet project, featuring a breakthrough design solution – an oval fuselage configuration without struts in

the passenger cabin. In earlier projects, use of oval fuselage configurations led to extra pressure, which

was compensated using struts inside the passenger cabin, negatively influencing the aircraft’s weight and

passenger comfort. The project implementation was started in March 2009, when OAO UAC and OAO FPG

Rosaviaconsortium have signed a memorandum of understanding, covering the continuation of marketing

and technical research on the integral configuration widebody short- and medium-haul aircraft.

Another important partner for OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium in the Frigate EcoJet project is Zhukovsky

Central Hydroaerodynamic Institute (TsAGI), which gave an approval for the aircraft’s technical proposal in

May 2010. TsAGI specialists concluded that the aircraft exceeds its modern Russian and foreign

counterparts in operational, economic and flight characteristics. Moreover, the proposed configuration can

be implemented within the schedule set by the design team.



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Technical overview of the Frigate EcoJet project

Frigate EcoJet has the following technical characteristics:

Capacity 300-350 passengers

Range 3000 – 3500 km

Fuel efficiency Max 14 g/pass/km

Cruise Mach 0,820M

Life cycle 60000/35000/25 (flight hours/take-offs and

landings/years)

The new aircraft’s integrated efficiency is 35% higher compared to the existing aircraft. The integral

configuration provides for a number of important advantages, first of all, large volume for the payload. The

chosen form ensures minimal dimensions for the aircraft with 300-350 passengers in three cabins, three

main aisles no less than 500 mm wide and no less than 810 mm space between seats. In all-economy

layout the number of seats can be increased to 400.



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Fig. 3 Frigate EcoJet fuselage design configuration

The lower deck’s two cargo bays can accommodate up to 20 LD-3 containers or cargo on 95x125” pallets.

Fig.3 Fuselage cross-section



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Fuselage cross-section chosen for the Frigate EcoJet project has allowed reduction of the aircraft wet area

by 4-14% per passenger, depending on the layout, compared to modern widebody aircraft like B-777-200

and A-340-300.

The aircraft can accommodate 302 passengers in the basic three-class layout (business class, premium

economy and economy).

Fig. 3 Frigate EcoJet layouts



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Two-class layout and the freighter option were also developed. It should be noted that the design

configuration using the passenger floor as an element will allow for significantly easier conversion into the

cargo version.

Fig. 4 Frigate EcoJet cargo version

During the technical proposal stage, it was decided that the aircraft is to be equipped with two engines with

total take-off thrust of 80 000 lbf/ 36 000 kgs. The experts have developed the following technical

requirements:

Table. 1 Frigate EcoJet engine characteristics

Fan diameter 2300 mm

Take-off thrust 39 700 lbf/18 000 kgs

Contingency thrust 44 000 lbf/20 000 kgs

Fuel consumption (cruise speed) 0,52 kg\kgs*hr

Dry weight 3200 kg

Currently Frigate EcoJet project team is considering various engines from the leading international

suppliers, including new generation turbofan PD-18P developed by UEC( United Engine Corporation),

PS-90A-20 or the latest Rolls-Royce engines.



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Cooperation with TsAGI on Frigate EcoJet Since the beginning of the Frigate EcoJet project OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium actively cooperated with

TsAGI. As a result, TsAGI has issued an approval of the Frigate EcoJet technical proposals, confirming the

project quality. TsAGI conclusion states that the proposed configuration is feasible, and its integrated

efficiency is 35% higher compared to modern aircraft. It was preceded by the research made by the project

team and fine-tuning for the existing airline route networks.

Another important achievement resulting from the cooperation between the Frigate EcoJet design team and

TsAGI was the decision to conduct a full cycle of R&D and design activities in 2011 and 2012, and to

create a joint working group in order to develop a general agreement on cooperation between TsAGI and

OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium on the Frigate EcoJet project up to 2017. Besides, the key participants of the

Frigate EcoJet project have agreed to use the project as a platform to implement the innovative solutions

and technologies.

In the end of August 2010 TsAGI has completed the second stage of research commissioned by OAO

FPG Rosaviaconsortium. The institute’s specialists have conducted the development of the key airframe

nodes, including the joint between the wing and tail fin and the fuselage, as well as the landing gear leg

mounts. The fuselage structural design was thoroughly examined using the finite element method.

Fuselage, wing and tail fin were modeled using the MSC/NASTRAN software suite. The research results

demonstrated that the projected durability can be achieved within the given weight parameters of the

aircraft.

TsAGI participants in the Frigate EcoJet project include: B.S. Aleshin, TsAGI general director, S.L.

Chernyshev, TsAGI executive director, S.V. Lyapunov, TsAGI deputy director on scientific work, V.I.

Chernousov, Frigate EcoJet general designer.



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Cooperation with UAC on Frigate EcoJet

The UAC / Rosaviaconsortium working group was created in spring 2009 in order to adapt the accumulated

scientific and technical experience for the current market realities and business requirements. At the same

time a memorandum of understanding was signed between the parties, covering the continuation of

marketing, technical and economic research of the integral configuration widebody short- and medium-haul

aircraft. The working group had developed the initial technical and marketing requirements, determining the

aircraft’s outlook and market niches where it can be used. Market studies have shown the efficiency of this

aircraft for low cost airlines.

Fig. 5 Memorandum of understanding between OAO UAC and OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium

The joint work of OAO UAC and OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium had also led to an agreement to conduct a

whole range of activities in 2011-2012 in order to create the scientific and technical base and develop the

technical proposal, including more precise strength and aerodynamic tests; at the same time technological

feasibility of the project is to be jointly evaluated.

Special attention is to be paid to the development of a system to determine the criteria and standards for

Frigate EcoJet technological accessibility. The system involves structuring the project’s processes and

development of the forecast models allowing for more precise planning and task evaluation. Key advantage

of the system proposed by UAC is the visualization of the project’s lifecycle and the possibility to identify

bottlenecks. The project matrix shown below will be used during the implementation of the project:



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Frigate EcoJet Airlines Advisory Board Formed In the beginning of September 2010 OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium management has created a consulting

board with the airlines to facilitate the development of the widebody short- and medium haul aircraft, the

Frigate Ecojet. One of the key goals set before the board is to incorporate the practical experience in civil

aircraft operations in Russia and the airlines’ requirements for the developed aircraft.

The first members of the airlines advisory board are S7 and UTair, the leading Russian regional airlines.

This choice is not random: according to the Transport Clearing House, in 2009 S7 and UTair held the

second and third rating by the number of passengers carried on national routes. Moreover, these airlines

are focused on short and medium range flights (about 3500 km), which Frigate EcoJet is being developed

for. Prospectively, S7 and UTair may become the potential customers for the new aircraft.

On the other hand, participation of the two largest regional airlines in the work on the new aircraft’s

technical design, airworthiness and MRO systems is invaluable for the project’s success. The lack of

serious practical input from the airlines during the development of Soviet civil aircraft created serious

operational problems in the future. During the development of Frigate EcoJet technical proposal, S7

specialists had assisted in the estimation of the new aircraft’s economic efficiency in the actual airline route

network.

All airlines that might be interested in a widebody short- and medium-haul aircraft will be invited to the

advisory board. OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium also intends to invite financial and leasing companies, that

will provide firm understanding of the regional and international airline market requirements and create a

‘soft’ order for the new aircraft in the future.

The first working group meeting is to be held before the end of September 2010. This session will be

devoted to the development of a working plan and scope of issues for the advisory board.



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The Frigate EcoJet brand

Development of the Frigate EcoJet brand strategy was based on the best international practices of

development and promotion of international industrial brands.

Frigate EcoJet brand mission is the creation of internationally competitive next-generation civil widebody

short- and medium-haul aircraft based on a new aerodynamic configuration, to be introduced in 2014-2016.

Integral efficiency of these aircraft will be 15-20% higher compared to 2010 aircraft. Developed in

cooperation with Zhukovsky institute (TsAGI), Frigate EcoJet is to become a base for the implementation of

innovative solutions and technologies developed by the Russian aircraft industry.

Our vision of the Frigate EcoJet brand involves the following practical tasks:

Development of an aircraft needed by the market, which will allow the customers to reduce the

basic MRO and fuel costs by several times, and to optimize their route networks. The airlines are

offered not just a new aircraft but rather a new approach towards passenger operations;

The aircraft must comply with the strictest international noise and emission requirements;

Frigate EcoJet is an international project, incorporating all accumulated experience in aircraft

design, utilizing full-scale mutually beneficial ‘win-win’ cooperation;

Frigate EcoJet must become a truly innovative project. It is already based on the innovative

solutions offered by the Russian designers and researchers. On the other hand, the project is

intended to serve as a platform for innovative technologies that can stimulate Russian aircraft

industry as a whole.

The Frigate EcoJet brand strategy is founded on four basic values inherent to a modern aircraft:

Operational economy;

Eco-friendliness;

International cooperation;

Innovativeness.

These values fully reflect the Frigate EcoJet brand key message – it is a project aimed to develop an

economical and eco-friendly aircraft using innovative technologies and solutions and cooperation with

international partners. This message reflects the values envisioned by the working group. Brand

communications strategy and the visual style fully represent these four basic values. The logo was inspired

by the unusual shape of the aircraft, and real-world counterparts underline the project’s international scope,

its eco-friendliness, operational economy and innovativeness. These images form the basis of the new

aircraft’s logo.



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Depictions of the Frigate EcoJet brand values

Frigate EcoJet logo

The name Frigate EcoJet also conveys the base values of the new aircraft brand:

Frigate – a light and fast, yet capacious, sailing ship;

Eco – reflects the two base values – ‘operational economy’ and ‘eco-friendliness’ (environmentally

friendly), which are the key requirements for the modern aircraft;

Jet – a jetliner.

Eco-friendliness Innovativeness International

cooperation

Operational

economy



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Frigate EcoJet roadmap

Dear friends,

I am glad to present the first issue of the newsletter devoted to Frigate EcoJet, the innovative Russian

short- and medium-haul widebody aircraft. Many years of research on integral configuration aircraft and

non-traditional designs conducted by ОАО FPG Rosaviaconsortium design bureau have led to the project

that, I firmly believe, is needed by the Russian and international airlines.

As of now, the most important stages of the feasibility study have been completed. TsAGI specialists have

conducted two stages of the crucial research commissioned by OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium.

The technical proposal stage involved the development of the aircraft layout with the oval fuselage and the

feasibility study for the innovative fuselage configuration providing load accommodation. As a result, TsAGI

has given its approval for the Frigate EcoJet technical proposals, proving serious technical base of the

project. The specialists concluded that the proposed aircraft configuration is not only possible but is also

feasible at the current technological level, and that the integrated efficiency of the new aircraft will be 35%

higher compared to the existing models.

The second stage of design work involved the research of the airframe and structural design of the Frigate

EcoJet aircraft using a thorough finite element model. The research demonstrated that the planned

durability can be achieved using the set weight limits. The aircraft’s flight characteristics will allow it to take

the niche of Il-86 aircraft by passenger capacity. At the same time it should be noted that the calculated

take-off weight of Frigate EcoJet will be 80 tons less compared to the Il-86.

The next step OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium and TsAGI will take in this direction is the joint program of

experimental research of Frigate EcoJet design elements.

I think we have chosen a correct technical course, which we intend to follow.

Moreover, until mid-2011 working group on Frigate EcoJet project has set the task to form a system of

production. In the next 18 months we are to develop the concept of industrial cooperation, supply chain

management model and identify the list of prime and alternative suppliers. That is, in other words to create

a technological basis for the project.

Another, no less important area of the project is the development of well-grounded financial and economic

model. OAO FPG Rosaviaconsortium intends to finance work on the clarification of marketing requirements

for the Frigate EcoJet aircraft from potential customers, including network airlines and the largest low cost

carriers. In August 2010 airlines advisory board was established, comprising S7 and UTair, the leaders in

Russian air transport market. In the nearest future the advisory board will also include other Russian and

international airlines, as well as financial leasing companies.

Development of a well-grounded financial and economic model for the project will be the first and the most

important step towards finding a strategic financial investor. We want this model to incorporate all basic and

specific risks for this project, and to provide the potential investors with the most complete and accurate

information on the Frigate EcoJet project. We intend to examine the project financing opportunities

provided by the leading Russian and international banks, venture and private equity funds. Before that, the

working group will have to develop an attractive offer with precise ROI calculations. In order to do that, we

will consider both the production risks and the risks related to sales and after-sales support. We want to



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take into account all the parameters and explain to the investors potential benefits from participating in the

Frigate EcoJet project.

Members of the Frigate EcoJet team continue their work with enthusiasm and will keep you informed about

our successes!

With best regards,

Alexander Klimov

Head of the Frigate EcoJet Program

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