Aircraft Design

Initial Estimate of Aircraft Size and Mass

Aircraft
Designer’s
Dream
Design Process
Typical Management Style of Aircraft Manufacturer
Which Group
Holds Everything
Else Together?
 Weight is
The Main
Currency in
Aeronautical
Science
Weight Estimation
Mass Statement
Wing Mass

Typically 9 – 14% of total weight

Choose appropriate wing loading, aspect ratio, geometry from historical data
Tail Mass

1.5 - 3% of total weight

Body Mass

7 -12% of total weight

Nacelle Mass

1.2 – 2.2% of total weight

Undercarriage Mass
Control Surface Mass
 Propulsion Group Mass

*Choose appropriate thrust-to-weight Ratio from

historical data, typically between 0.28 – 0.37
How to Increase
the Accuracy of
First Estimate
on Thrust
Requirement?
Total Mass of Fixed Equipment
Crew Mass
Airworthiness