A new methodology for the conceptual design optimization of a public transport vehicle for a specific network is proposed, in which the importance that the passengers assign to their time is incorporated as a parameter called value of time V. A penalty function P is developed, which is a combination of the fare, the time spent in travel, and a comfort factor. For operation over virgin areas, the sizing of the transport termini and estimation of the costs associated with their construction is an intrinsic part of the vehicle optimization studies. As an example, this methodology is integrated in the conceptual design of twin-engined pistonprop and turboprop general aviation aircraft to be employed for air-taxi operations over a hypothetical network. The optimum location of the airport from the city center, and the minimum runway length required for safe operation is determined. The costs associated with construction and maintenance of a runway at each node of tile network C-rw are estimated and charged to the passengers as a part of their fare. A set of eight aircraft related parameters (design variables) that correspond to the minimum P is obtained, while assigning nominal values to tile remaining parameters. Eight test-cases are investigated and the sensitivity of P to the design variables is determined. It is found that the aircraft capacity and the cruising speed are directly dependent on tile V, and the inclusion of C-rw in P tends to drive the optimum towards lower cruising speed. In all the cases studied, turboprop aircraft show a lower P compared to the pistonprop type.
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