Aircraft Design

Aircraft Design explores the conceptual phase of a fixed-wing aircraft design project. Designing an aircraft is a complex, multifaceted process that embraces many technical challenges in a multidisciplinary environment. By definition, the topic requires intelligent use of aerodynamic knowledge to configure aircraft geometry suited specifically to a customer’s demands. It involves configuring aircraft shape, estimating its weight and drag, and computing the available thrust from the matched engine. The methodology includes formal sizing of the aircraft, engine matching, and substantiating performance to comply with a customer’s demands and government regulatory standards. Associated topics include safety issues; environmental issues; material choice; structural layout; and understanding the flight deck, avionics, and systems (for both civil and military aircraft). Cost estimation and manufacturing considerations also are discussed. The chapters are arranged to optimize understanding of industrial approaches to aircraft-design methodology. Example exercises based on the author’s industrial experience with typical aircraft design are included.