in my essay i have actually finally decided to build the new plane, which should be heavier than a a380 with a 3 engine design.
that may sound mad but i have taken into account "asymmetric thrust" into main consideration. i have thought that 2 engine would not generate enough thrust whereas 4 engines is the main contributor to "asymmetric thrust" if an engine was to fail.
so i was thinking with 3 engines, the rudder could be smaller then and also with 3 engines the weight would be further reduced. i know the wing would have to be further reinforced but i was wondering if the other 2 factors would outweigh that.
finally, did the decision of the a340 having 4 engines was influenced by politicians?