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.
Cooling: Internal Flow
Cooling the engine and its accessories requires a continuous flow of air to come in from outside the airplane to absorb heat from the...
In Case You Missed It
Van’s–The Middle Ages
My involvement with Van’s Aircraft started in 1987—if my memory is right. The company...
Editor’s Log
With so many different types of Experimental/kit aircraft available, Paul Dye explains how KITPLANES tries to include something of interest for everyone.
Archive: September 2013
Our cover featured a SeaRey amphibian chilling out on the water. Inside, Dave Forster...