158. Preliminary Design Weight Estimation Using a Digital Computer

Paper

Abstract

The Aircraft Weight Engineer’s job is to establish and maintain a minimum weight article. It is common knowledge among Weight Engineers that the time and place to do this most effectively is in Preliminary Design during the early, pre-layout phase of a new aircraft. This paper discusses one possible answer to the need for improving Weight Control in Preliminary Design where it can be most effective. This paper investigates a method of making a reasonably accurate and detailed gross weight estimate, based upon the preliminary geometric, structural, and functional data available, in the shortest possible time.
With such a method it is hoped it would be possible for the Design Weight Engineer to free himself of some of the tedious details of formula manipulation, and have more time to investigate and evaluate the various proposed configurations in order to find the best possible design compromise. Using the digital computer method, it is possible to produce weight empty and gross weight estimates of many combinations of design parameters in the same amount of time as originally required for evaluating one or two configurations.