Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 1: Ground Tests
At some point, a configuration of the airplane is frozen, a prototype is built and testing begins.
Magic Configurations
Designers are continually trying to create new and better machines that will outperform and outsell what is currently available.
Marketability
The manufacturer must be able to sell enough airplanes to stay in business and make some money.
Manufacturing Considerations
The designer must consider all three factors: Mission, Manufacturing and Marketing.
Choosing the Configuration
Most of our recent discussions on the process of designing an airplane were based on the assumption that the airplane has a generally conventional...
Design Innovation
A designer must make a large number of decisions in the process of designing an airplane. These range from top-level decisions, like the overall...
Variable Geometry Cooling System
The way to reduce or eliminate excess cooling drag in cruise is to use a variable-geometry cooling system that can change shape to control the amount of air flowing through the cowling.
Cooling Outlet Design
The design must focus on sufficiently cooling the engine while minimizing drag.
In Case You Missed It
Lancair Evolution
When Joe Bartels bought the company from founder Lance Neibauer in 2003, he knew it was time for a change. The goal was to find a high-performance aircraft that could be flown by the average pilot in the target market. The solution can be found in the company's newest product, the Pratt & Whitney-powered turbine Evolution; by Doug Rozendaal.
Wind Tunnel
Contrary to popular belief, the frontal area of an airplane is not the most important determinant of drag.