Air Conditioning Considerations for Turboprop Commuter and Business Aircraft

The advent of turboprop-powered aircraft designed for the commuter and business aircraft market has resulted in a need for air-conditioning systems optimized to the characteristics of this class of aircraft.

Relative merits of various systems are discussed with particular emphasis placed on the interface between air-conditioning and main propulsion engines. Means of conserving bleed air are covered in full recognition of the penalties associated with bleed air extraction at certain critical aircraft operating conditions. The means of properly matching the air-conditioning system to the cabin air distribution system is also briefly discussed.