Fixed-Wing Aircraft design

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Design (37.4230)

AEROBATICS AIRPLANE PROJECT

The fictitious company, Aerobatic Planes, Inc. (API), is interested in expanind the product line of its aerobatic aircraft manufacturing and sales operation. Currently, the compant manufactures 10 aerobatic aircraft annually, using primarily wood and fabric construction techniques. Your consulting and design firm has been contacted to propose a new aerobatics aircraft that will profitably increase the companyıs market share by winning world-class aerobatic competitions with a reliable and safe aircraft.

API currently manufactures only the API-110 aircraft and associated spare parts. This is a modified Pitts Special with a 110 hp engine and a two-balde wooden propeller. A market analysis was commissioned and indicated that API should be able to sell 100 new aircraft annually if it is manufactured to meet the performance criteria below. The companyıs president has observed that most recent World Aerobatics Champions have flown monoplanes and there have been general trends in the industry to the greater use of composite material construction and more cost-competitive manufacturing techniques. The long-term corporate objective of API is to become a world leader in the sales and manufacture of sport aircraft. The president of API has provided some additional background information below.

Performance Criteria for Single-seat Aerobatics Aircraft:

  1. Roll rate of greater than 360-degrees per second
  2. Stall speed of 40 kts or less
  3. Climb rate of 1600 fpm
  4. Maximum speed of greater than 140 kts fully loaded.

Background Information:

For design purposes, a mission representative of competitive aerobatics performance consists of a takeoff on a 1200 ft runway, climb at maximum rate to 10,000 ft, cruise at about 120 kts for 300 nm at 7500 ft, brief loiter, and a landing. Necessary maneuvers are inside and outside loops, hammerheads, Lumchavaks, and precise aileron and snap rolls. It is essential to have accurate and precise control in upright and inverted flight during competitions. The API-110 was designed for +/- 6g with a 200 lb crew, and has obtained an Aerobatics Waiver from the FAA.

Work Statement for Phase 1 - Initial Conceptual Design:

A conceptual sketch of an aircraft design proposed to satisfy the needs of Aerobatics Planes Inc. will be prepared and submitted on or before [date], 1998. The sketch will show the initial aircraft concept, the location of all major components including engine, cockpit, controls, fuel system and landing gear, and the configuration of wing, tail, and fuselage. In addition, a statement of overall design goals will be provided which shall identify the critical design elements and shall discuss their importance to manufacturing, aerobatic competitiveness, durability, maintenance, and safety. These results will be reviewed in a 15-minute peresentation to be given (by each group in class) on [date], 1998.

Work Statement for Phase 2 - Design Sizing and Assessment:

An initial sizing study of the Phase 1 conceptual sketch will be prepared and submitted on or before [date], 1998. The study will provide detailed technical specifications for all major components including the following: approximate dimensions of the wind, tail, and fuselage; requirements of the propulsion and fuel systems. A preliminary assessment to determine whether the actual aerodynamic performance, weights, and propulsion characteristics will satisfy the design goals and mission statement of Phase 1 will be performed and provided along with recommendations for further improvements. These will be presented (in 15-minute presentations in class by each group) on [date], 1998.

Work Statement for Phase 3 - Refinement and Final Design:

A three-view layout drawing of the final aircraft design shall be provided on or before [date], 1998. This design shall incorporate the most critical design refinements selected from the Phase 2 assessment. A final report shall also be provided addressing issues of interest to potential API investors. These might include, for example, the following: aerobatic competitiveness; commercial appeal; innovations; costs of development and production; safety and liability; maintenance; and licensing. Presentation of the final design will be scheduled for a 30-minute period (for each group in class) on [date], 1998.


This page was last updated, December 10, 1997.