STOLER-1 Senior Design Project

Abstract:
This design note outlines the preliminary design, performance, and certification analysis of the STOLER-1, a 9-passenger, twin-engine, piston-propeller commuter aircraft optimized for short-takeoff-and-landing operations on constrained regional routes. Sized to a 9,500 lb MTOW with a useful payload of 2,250 lb, the high-wing, fixed-gear configuration with twin Lycoming IO-720 engines and 80.5 in four-blade constant-speed propellers achieves a design cruise speed of approximately 215 KTAS at 12,000 ft and a still-air range of about 553 nmi at maximum payload. The aircraft meets key field-performance requirements with takeoff and landing distances of roughly 1,377 ft and 1,450 ft over a 50 ft obstacle, while maintaining positive one-engine-inoperative climb margins and an operational service ceiling of 15,000 ft. The cabin and systems architecture support pressurized commuter, cargo, and medevac missions, with palletized cargo capability, FIKI operation via pneumatic de-ice boots, and a Garmin G1000 NXi-based avionics suite, all within an estimated flyaway acquisition cost of ≈ $3.2M and CASM of $0.31. The design is benchmarked against Tecnam P2012 STOL and Cessna Caravan class aircraft and is evaluated for compliance with 14 CFR Part 23 through integrated sizing, aerodynamics, propulsion, stability and control, structures, systems, and cost analyses to demonstrate feasibility for continued development and eventual certification.