Theory of Flight 6 01 Aircraft Design and

Theory of Flight 6. 01 Aircraft Design and Construction References: FTGU pages 9 -14, 27

Main Teaching Points • • Parts of an Airplane Aircraft Construction Landing Gear Standard Terminology

Definition The airplane is defined as: • A power-driven… • Heavier-than aircraft… • Deriving its lift in flight from aerodynamic reactions… • On surfaces that remain fixed under given conditions of flight.

Parts of an Airplane

Parts of an Airplane

Parts of an Airplane

Parts of an Airplane

Fuselage The fuselage is the main body of the aircraft, where the passengers, cargo and crew go.

Fuselage • The fuselage is normally classified according to the type of construction: • -Truss Type • -Monocoque • -Semi-monocoque

Fuselage – Truss Type

Fuselage – Semi-Monocoque

Empennage • The empennage is the rear portion of the airplane • It is integral to control and stability during flight

Wing Construction • Spars § spanwise members § wood or metal § carry bending loads • Ribs § web or truss § give wing its cambered shape

Wing Construction § Edges § Leading Edge § Trailing Edge § Strength & Shape § Wires § Internal / External § Bracing for strength § Covering § Metal or Fabric § Metal strength

Wing Layouts • High Wing • Mid Wing • Low Wing • Bi-Plane

Wing Layouts • High Wing • Mid Wing • Low Wing • Bi-Plane

Wing Layouts • High Wing • Mid Wing • Low Wing • Bi-Plane

Wing Layouts • High Wing • Mid Wing • Low Wing • Bi-Plane

Confirmation

Landing Gear • Conventional (Tail-Dragger) - Two main wheels and a tail wheel • Tricycle – Two main wheels and a nose wheel • Retractable - Wheels may be raised so that they are enclosed in wings or fuselage (reducing drag) • Fixed - Landing gear is not designed to retract

Landing Gear

Landing Gear

Landing Gear

Landing Gear

Landing Gear Retractable Landing Gear • PROS • Reduced drag at cruise • Higher cruising speed • CONS • Added weight • Added mechanical complexity • Risk of “Gear Up” Landing (land based) • Risk of “Gear Down” Landing (amphibious)

Landing Gear Shock Absorption • Absorb the impact of landing, or the effect of bumps in runway. • Spring steel Landing Gear • Air/Oil oleos • Rubber cords (bungee) or discs • Low pressure tires

Landing Gear Main Landing Gear - Spring Steel Cantilever -

Landing Gear Nose Landing Gear - Air / Oil Oleo -

Landing Gear - Brakes • Provide a means of stopping the aircraft • Assist with steering on the ground

Confirmation • How would you describe the aircraft to the left? • • -tail dragger? -tricycle gear? -retractable gear? -float plane? -high wing? -low wing? -mid wing? -biplane? • Request the use of the tools to label the aircraft.

Wing Span • Wingspan is the maximum distance from wing tip to wing tip

Chord is the imaginary line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the wing • A measure of the width of a wing

Wing Area • Length of the wing multiplied by the average width of wing

Planform • Shape of the wing as seen from above

Aspect Ratio • Ratio of the span to chord of the wing • A measure of how SLENDER the wing is

Airfoil • A structure curved to produce lift

Camber • A measure of the curvature of an airfoil • Mean Camber is the line equidistant between the upper & lower surfaces

Angle of Incidence • Angle between chord line and the longitudinal axis

Relative Airflow • Airflow over the wing • Related to the forward motion of the aircraft through the air

Angle of Attack • The angle between the chord line and the relative airflow • It is a measure of how much the wing ‘bites’ into the air

Confirmation Check

Confirmation What kind of landing gear is this?

Confirmation What is the angle of attack?

Confirmation What are some of the differences between powered aircraft and gliders?

Confirmation • Reading: From the Ground Up, pages 914 • The next Theory of Flight Class covers the basic flight controls (6. 02)