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Transcript

This simulation should take you just over two hours, and is divided into the following sections:

  • A preparation task, which should take you up to 15 minutes
  • A 30 minute research task
  • A 30 minute analysis task
  • A 30 minute create task
  • A 10 minute document and presentation activity
  • And finally, a reflection task, which should take you around 10 minutes.

NEXT

Materials Needed

Computer with internet access

CAD software

Spreadsheet software

Presentation software

(SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or a free alternative like Fusion 360)

(Excel or Google Sheets)

(PowerPoint or Google Slides)

Preparation Task (10 minutes)

Research Task (20 minutes)

Analysis Task (30 minutes)

Create Task (40 minutes)

As a reminder, below are the steps we're going to take in order to complete the simulation. There will be timers on each step, but this is simply there for guidance and there is no pressure to finish before or after the time is up!

If you're ready, click the 'Next' button below to get going!

Document and Present (15 minutes)

Reflection Task (15 minutes)

Expected Outcome

Simulation

Simulation

PREPARAtion task

Preparation Task

Identify and outline the basic specifications for a small passenger aircraft. Consider factors such as:Maximum number of passengers: 10-20Range: 1,000 to 1,500 milesCruising speed: 300-400 knotsPayload capacity: 5,000-7,000 lbsKey constraints: Cost, environmental impact, runway length, and noise levelsDocument these requirements and constraints in a spreadsheet or text file.

(10 minutes)

Search for recent market reports, articles, or statistics related to your chosen market segment. Use sources like Statista, Nielsen, or industry-specific publications.

Simulation

research task

Research Task (20 minutes):

Search for recent market reports, articles, or statistics related to your chosen market segment. Use sources like Statista, Nielsen, or industry-specific publications.

Market Reports

Search for recent market reports, articles, or statistics related to your chosen market segment. Use sources like Statista, Nielsen, or industry-specific publications.

Use the internet to research 2-3 existing small passenger aircraft models (Beechcraft King Air, Cessna Citation, Pilatus PC-12).

Research Aircraft Examples

Analyse their design features such as wing configuration, engine type (turboprop vs. jet), fuselage design, tail configuration and materials used.

Focus Areas

Collect data on their range, speed, passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact.

Performance Data

Compile the collected data into a comparative table in a spreadsheet.

Compile

Gather information on existing small passenger aircraft models to inform your design.

Simulation

Analysis Task

Analysis Task

Evaluate and analyse the data to determine the best design approach for your aircraft.

(30 minutes)

  • SWOT Analysis: Perform a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for each of the aircraft models researched. Consider factors like performance, cost, and operational efficiency.
  • Decision-Making: Based on your analysis, decide on the key design elements for your aircraft (wing placement, engine type, engine placement and material selection).
  • Summarise your findings in a document, highlighting the rationale behind your design decisions.

Download the SWOT analysis template

Simulation

Create Task

Search for recent market reports, articles, or statistics related to your chosen market segment. Use sources like Statista, Nielsen, or industry-specific publications.

Create Task (40 minutes):

Search for recent market reports, articles, or statistics related to your chosen market segment. Use sources like Statista, Nielsen, or industry-specific publications.

Market Reports

Search for recent market reports, articles, or statistics related to your chosen market segment. Use sources like Statista, Nielsen, or industry-specific publications.

Start by sketching the general layout of the aircraft, including the fuselage, wings, tail, and engine placement.

Sketch Basic Design

Create a basic 2D model of the aircraft in CAD software, focusing on overall proportions and key structural elements. You don’t need to include every detail, but ensure the model represents the essential design features.

2D Modelling

Incorporate considerations such as aerodynamics, weight distribution, and passenger comfort.

Design Considerations

Save the CAD file and generate a few screenshots of the model from different angles

Save the CAD file

Develop a preliminary design of the aircraft using CAD software.

Simulation

Document and Present

Create Presentation

Develop a presentation summarising the design process, key decisions, and the final preliminary design. Include slides on:

Presentation Delivery

Ensure the presentation is clear, well-organised, and visually appealing.

Compile and present the findings and design.

  • Design requirements and constraints
  • Research findings and comparative analysis
  • SWOT analysis and design choices
  • 2D model screenshots with explanations of the design features

Simulation

Reflection Task

Process Reflection

Future Improvements

Career Relevance

Reflect on the design process and outcomes.

Write a short reflection on the challenges faced during the design process, how you addressed them, and what you learned about aircraft design.

Consider what aspects of the design could be improved if more time or resources were available. How would you approach a more detailed design phase? What time and resources would you need to do this?

Reflect on how this exercise relates to real-world Aerospace Engineering tasks and how it has enhanced your understanding of aircraft design.

Document your reflection in a text file.

Simulation

Expected outcome

By the end of this activity, you will have developed a preliminary design for a small passenger aircraft, based on research and analysis of existing models. You will have gained practical experience in conceptual aircraft design, including data analysis, decision-making, and the use of CAD software for creating 2D models. The final output will include a comparative analysis, a basic aircraft design, and a presentation summarising the design process and outcomes, all of which contribute to your skills as an Aerospace Engineer.

Expected Outcome

Well done for completing the simulation! In the next section you will upload your research.