Development process for preliminary aircraft sizing methods with regard to new technologies

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and describe a process which can be applied to develop new methods in the context of preliminary aircraft sizing in a successful and efficient way. Design/methodology/approach The tasks to development new aircraft sizing methods are systematically analyzed. In particular, repeating and nonrepeating tasks and common or unique tasks. Then ordered in a sequence and described generically. Findings A development process for new aircraft design methods which are necessary for new technologies or configurations is introduced and explained step by step. Practical implications Introducing the capability to deal with new technologies or configurations, aircraft design tools or aircraft concepts requires new sizing methods. Originality/value The paper presents a systematic approach which can be used to develop a great amount of new sizing methods with a comparable usability and quality standard in an efficient and effective way.