Concurrent Engineering in Design of Aircraft Structures

This article focuses on the idea of concurrent engineering on the complete aircraft development process, from conceptual design to manufacturing. Three examples are presented to show important aspects of an integrated design philosophy: 1) a strategy to include the handling qualities of a fighter aircraft into the structural design, 2) an integrated design optimization study for an aircraft fin, and 3) a design for a manufacturing approach with an integrated tape-laying system. Finally, some remarks on economic aspects are outlined.