967. The Weight/Performance Interface – An Argument for Weight Control

Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this discussion is to show how aircraft weight growth affects aircraft performance arid cost. Weight control is our primary weapon against performance degradation resulting from weight growth. Therefore, an aggressive weight control effort, backed by Company management, is essential to the development of an efficient profitable aircraft.
Several contemporary aircraft are presented (anonymously) to show how design objectives are maintained during the prototype and production design phases of development. Performance parameters such as payload/ range, takeoff field length, and landing distance are sustained through a combination of increased design gross weights, improved aerodynamic configuration and higher-thrust engines. Unfortunately, all three of these methods tend to increase aircraft price and direct operating costs. This emphasizes the importance of an effective weight control program to achieve both performance and cost goals and to ensure success in this competitive aircraft business.