Aircraft Design

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