3531. Weight Data Management for Completion of Corporate Jets
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Paper
Abstract
Cabin Completion Engineering is a very crucial phase of the high-end business jet aircraft design. The interior of the aircraft, including all of its customer-oriented and advanced technology, is perhaps one of the most important factors in the decision-making process of a potential corporate aircraft buyer. Indeed, range, performance and operating costs are factors, but the customer is also buying privacy and functionality. With this mindset, the Original Equipment Manufacturer is prone to hold nothing back – to ‘spare no expense’ – in the development of a state-of-the-art aircraft interior.
In order to protect vehicle performance, the weight and center of gravity of the completions must be maintained. Completions engineering is no different when it comes to the need to properly identify, sort, and budget weights, all while correlating Computer-Aided Design models to the proper installations. This task can be somewhat automated using contemporary design tools and appropriate software.
This paper discusses how to build a matrix to track and manage the completion development weight. The matrix is a depletion schedule that sets the limits for each installation and/or assembly. Whenever a weight exceeds the preliminary estimated weight, it will be immediately flagged red, bringing the attention of the designers to a potential problem. The estimated weight is based on historical data adjusted to the new aircraft. The depletion schedule matrix allows the quick generation of tables and charts at any given time during the program, drastically reducing the effort required to compile and create weight status reports.
The matrix calculations output graphs can be interpreted to ensure that the weight status of the detail is not only dependent on the weight recorded but its developmental maturity. Also, it is helpful in determining whether there are some areas that are sufficiently reduced in weight allowing for the reallocation of weight budget – and its CG location – to another area or if weight savings can result in improved aircraft performance.
This data can then be used by the engineer and program to quickly pinpoint weight-critical design areas.
