Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 178-181

Abstract: The Aircraft mass estimation and the associated 'balancing' of the layout are two of the main decision areas in the project phase of the design. The initial crude 'guesstimates' at the aircraft take-off weight will be progressively refined as more details of the aircraft configuration and systems are settled. How the mass estimation process is progressed and how details of the configuration and systems are related to the total aircraft mass is discussed. After an initial explanation of the factors which affect mass, a simplified method to determine the first estimate of aircraft take-off mass is presented together with an example calculation. A more detailed mass estimation method is then described together with formulae and expressions to predict each of the main components of the aircraft. After this, the items is list in a standardized mass statement for the aircraft. The form of this list is described and the various sub-groupings is shown.