Aims: To introduce the basic mechanics of flight and the factors affecting the design of fixed-wing aircraft. To provide a broad outline of the performance characteristics of aircraft engines and their impact on aircraft performance. To introduce methods for the initial sizing of aircraft using principal design parameters.
Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
Predict the performance of a fixed-wing aircraft in level, climbing and turning flight; understand and apply aircraft specifications within the Airworthiness Regulations; calculate take-off and landing distances and understand the balance field length concept. Construct a constraints diagram for the critical flight phases for estimation of wing and engine requirements.
Skills:
Problem solving; numeracy; working independently.
Content:
Standard atmosphere and aircraft speed definitions; level flight, climb and field performance; use of a drag polar; range equations and turning flight. Performance characteristics of thrust and power producing engines. Take-off and landing distance calculations, WAT limits and the balanced field length. Payload-range diagrams and constraints diagrams for preliminary aircraft sizing; considerations for aircraft design. Topics for self study that could be examined.
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