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The challenge is as follows:

2011-2012 Challenge: Design and simulate flight characteristics and direct operating costs for a large cargo aircraft that can meet NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation and Unmanned Air Systems project goals. Design goals include reduction of noise, emissions, and fuel burn for a typical cargo mission of 6,500 miles and a payload of 100,000 lbs. Nominal Mach number is 0.85, but should be varied as part of the design/cost trade space with respect to environmental objectives and business goals and constraints of typical large cargo carriers. Advanced direct and geared turbofans, as well as open rotor or ducted fan propulsion systems, and subsequent propulsion airframe integration challenges and approaches, should be considered. Impact of reducing the number of pilots in the cockpit on the aircraft design, environmental objectives, and its direct operating costs should be explored. Cost of remote pilots and remote control systems must be considered as well.

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