Introduction to Aircraft Configuration Design

Description

There are numerous technical procedures and thought processes involved in designing an aircraft. This free online course features advanced design techniques for aircraft that satisfy the market requirements and has a competitive advantage. You will be shown exactly how to classify an aircraft into short-range, medium-range, and long-range, based on the individual features of the aircraft. You will also consider some key issues such as wing configuration optimization, fuselage sizing and powerplant, that determine the specifications for the design of an aircraft. You will learn some advanced features and concepts such as 'families' and 'commonalities' and their significance in baseline aircraft design. A demonstration of how a new airliner can be created via wing and fuselage variations or by modifications in the service operations of an existing airliner will be presented. You will also be shown key design considerations such as, strut-based wing, and blend wing-body which demonstrates new solutions proposed for future airliners. This will specify the features and advantages of developing a strut-based wing over conventional wings and an efficient fuel management system as proposed in aircraft design that incorporates blend wing-body configurations.

Next, you will learn about Supersonic Transport Aircraft's features like Slender ‘Ogive’ Delta Wings, Drooping Nose and Fly-by-wire Flight Control System that makes them distinct aviation vehicles. A pictographic highlight of the Vortex Lift System, Heat Exchange System and Rearward Movement of Centre of Gravity Systems in the Concorde Aircraft or Concorde Supersonic Transport Aircraft will be exhibited. You will see the unique features and classification of Military Aircraft, with the aid of well-illustrated videos of the Thrust Vectoring and Post Stall Controllability properties, also referred to as Supermaneuverability feature in a Combat Aircraft. Then, concepts such as Laminar Flow and typical requirements of a Combat Aircraft, such as stealth, air superiority and survivability will also be explained in the lesson videos. The factors to consider for aircraft configurations, the features of a suitable transport aircraft and the structural configuration of the technologies that enhance the aerodynamics, avionics, and multidisciplinary optimization design of the Combat Aircraft will also be outlined.

Lastly, novel concepts that include blended wing body, fore-aft symmetry of lift in oblique wing supersonic transport systems, strut-based wing, etc. will be discussed. You will learn how the Boom Shaping Concept proposed for supersonic aviation systems will help reduce the sonic boom in supersonic flights. If you are interested in the field of aeronautics, aeronautical engineering or aerospace engineering, or you’re considering a career path in any of these fields, then this straight-to-the-point, 'no fluff' course is just right for you. The layout and configuration of an aircraft determine its design specifications, so, learning how to meet these specifications according to customer’s needs is an essential skill for aspiring aircraft designers. Why wait? Start this course today!