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ANE4 Conceptual Layout
ANE4 Conceptual Layout
Of the seemingly countless tasks confronting the aircraft designer, one of the most important is the
determination of a suitable configuration.
Some even argue that not many configurations remain to be invented. It is no exaggeration that
when it comes to issues like the positioning of wings, landing gear, and engines; or the shape and
size of stabilizing surfaces; and even aesthetics, the modern designer can practically go window-
shopping for ideas using this vast database.
Requirements, Mission, and Applicable Regulations
Students of aircraft design who have yet to develop a keen sense for
dimensions and weights of airplanes are encouraged to study the table
in detail. This is not to say that a new design cannot be outside the
shown limits, but rather that most aircraft ever built fall somewhere
between the extremes cited. If the specifications of the new airplane fall
outside these limits, inadvertently, the table may encourage the designer
to take a second look at the numbers.
Consequences of the vertical wing selection
Vertical wing location
Field of view
?
placed properly on the mean geometric chord
(MGC).
Vertical wing location Consequences of the vertical wing selection
Field of view
The drawback of the configuration is the The difference between a sesquiplane and a biplane is the shorter
aerodynamic inefficiency that stems from placing span of the lower wing. This improves the efficiency of the outboard
the low-pressure region of the lower wing close part of the upper wing by enabling higher pressure to be generated
to the high pressure region of the upper wing. on its lower surface.
•Braced: the wings are supported by external structural members. Nearly all
multi-plane designs are braced.
The maximum shear and bending loads of the strut-braced wing are much less
than those of the cantilevered wing, resulting in a lighter wing structure.
•Braced: the wings are supported by external structural members. Nearly all
multi-plane designs are braced.
The maximum shear and bending loads of the strut-braced wing are much less
than those of the cantilevered wing, resulting in a lighter wing structure.
When compared to the strut-braced and cantilever wing configurations, an equivalent strut-braced wing
If the aerodynamic efficiency is not a factor, strut-braced wing configuration
configuration is lighter than the cantilever wing. Why?
should be given consideration.
Cabin configurations
• The placement results in modest, if any, pitch effects and is intended to reduce engine
noise in the cabin, although noise in the aft-most part of the cabin is increased.
• Configuration B mounts the engines below the wing, using pylons, most common
configuration used for airliners.
• The placement is beneficial from a structural standpoint as the weight of the engines
introduces bending moment relief, which ultimately reduces airframe weight.
• Additionally, its forward position has a favorable effect on the flutter characteristics of
the wings.
• Configuration C features the engine above the wing and will generate
nose pitch-down moment at high thrust settings.
• The advantage of the engine placement is that it places the inlet in the
airstream so it has a high-pressure recovery, even at high angles-
ofattack (AOA).
• Configuration I features a buried engine, which results in
minimal pitch effects with thrust, if any.
• Its piston engines are mounted on the wings and must sit high enough
to prevent damage to the propellers due to small objects that might be
thrown from the operation of the nose landing gear on unimproved
runways, or if it is subject to a flat tire on any of the landing gear.
It should be stressed it does not show all the options, only those that are
used on 99.99% of all GA aircraft.
Traildragger
• Taildragger aircraft have a number of advantages that make them
more attractive for “bush-plane” operations.
• These planes can take off in short distance so suitable for bush-
plane operations.
Ground looping
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ground+loop+airplane
The monowheel with outriggers is a popular design for sailplanes and motor gliders Monowheel with outrigger
like the British-designed Europa XS and the German Scheibe Tandem-Falke.
The monowheel configuration reduces the drag of the landing gear. The same is
true of the tandem wheel configuration, although it is rarely used in GA aircraft.
Fixed landing gear will increase the drag of the airplane and, if this is the case, the Tandem wheel configuration
designer should strongly consider wheel fairings for drag reduction.
• The tricycle landing gear makes the vehicle dynamically stable on the
ground and reduces the risk of a ground loop.
• For this reason, it is better for inexperienced pilots and, thus, better
suited for trainer aircraft.
• They are still popular among many pilots who are more interested
in access to reach wilderness rather than high airspeeds.
Configuration vertical wings are given on the left.
However, detailed information will be given on
following lectures
(Chapter 11)