Conceptual design methodologies for hybrid electric aircraft with box-wing configuration

The combination of unconventional aircraft configurations with hybrid-electric propulsion has the potential to cut CO2 emissions and pave the way for sustainable aviation. This paper aims to present a methodology for the conceptual design of hybrid electric aircraft with box-wing configuration, known as PrandtlPlane. The methodology is based on the interaction between two in-house-developed tools, the first aiming to size the hybrid electric system for a given mission and the second aiming to maximize the aircraft performance. The activity is part of the Italian PROSIB research project, the goal of which is to develop enabling technologies for the regional aircraft category.