Introduction to Aircraft Design (Cambridge Aerospace Series) [Paperback]

John P. Fielding (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521657229 | ISBN-13: 978-0521657228 | Publication Date: October 28, 1999

Here is an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of civil and military aircraft design. Giving a largely descriptive overview of all aspects of the design process, this well-illustrated account provides an insight into the requirements of each specialist in an aircraft design team. After discussing the need for new designs, the text assesses the merits of different aircraft shapes from micro-lights and helicopters to super-jumbos and V/STOL aircraft. Subsequent chapters explore structures, airframe systems, avionics and weapons systems. Later chapters examine the costs involved in the acquisition and operation of new aircraft, aircraft reliability and maintainability, and a variety of unsuccessful projects to see what conclusions can be drawn. Three appendices and a bibliography give a wealth of useful information, much not published elsewhere, including simple aerodynamic formulae, aircraft, engine and equipment data and a detailed description of a parametric study of a 500-seat transport aircraft.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is very helpful for students and young design engineers as well as for aeronautical enthusiasts who intend to get a complete overview of all types of aircraft, their specific design considerations, the basic principles and why aircraft programmes in the past have been successful or failed.' Aircraft Design

' ... this is a book intended as an 'introduction' to the whole field of aircraft design. It sets out to answer significant design questions such as 'Why design a new aircraft? Why is it that shape? What is under the skin? ... of value to undergraduate and graduate aeronautical enginnering students and professionals working in the aerospace industry.' Air International

Book Description

A well-illustrated and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of civil and military aircraft design. Giving a largely descriptive overview of the design process, it provides an insight into the requirements of each specialist in an aircraft design team. Topics covered include the merits of different aircraft shapes, structures, airframe systems, avionics, weapons systems and costs. Appendices give a wealth of useful information, much not published elsewhere. Suitable for undergraduate and graduate aeronautical engineering students, it is a valuable reference for professionals and will also be of interest to aviation enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521657229
• ISBN-13: 978-0521657228
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #423,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical guide to aircraft design, April 1, 2000

By 

earl reyes (boise, idaho USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Aircraft Design (Cambridge Aerospace Series) (Paperback)

Many aircraft design books detail the 'how' of aircraft design. For example, determining the stall characteristics of a conceptual aircraft design. John Flemings' book introduces the 'why' of the aircraft design process. This book is a perfect companion to other aircraft design texts, like 'Aircraft Design-a conceptual approach' by Daniel Raymer

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars No substance, August 7, 2002

By 

Charles T. Grayson (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introduction to Aircraft Design (Cambridge Aerospace Series) (Paperback)

I consider this book to be a rough draft for a much larger book to come (I hope). The author just skims lightly through vast numbers of subjects, so that anyone who knows anything about airplanes will learn nothing new. Yet it isn't written on a basic enough level to have much to offer someone who knows nothing.

Disappointing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Skimming the Surface, March 24, 2006

By 

David J. Sullivan-nightengale (Saint Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Aircraft Design (Cambridge Aerospace Series) (Paperback)

This book is a very general view from a very British perspective. I don't think it belongs in Embry-Riddle's graduate programs because it does not meet the needs of experienced professionals. As an undergraduate overview of the systems design process, it is good. However, the author does not even touch helicopters, seaplanes, or lighter-than-air-technology. So, the book would be more aptly named "Introduction to Airplane Design."

Some of his information on armament systems is grossly inaccurate. Furthermore, the systems design process section does not reflect the current state of the art in the discipline of Systems Engineering. I expect improvement in the next edition and hope the author makes more of an effort to talk to engineers on the other side of the pond.