Aircraft Design
Aircraft Design
Early Stages to Weaponized Warbirds
Michael R. Boehnel
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. JoAnne LeBeouf
Many designers have made the claim that their designs were unique, one-of-a-kind, or revolutionary, however, time has shown that design changes have been more evolutionary rather than evolutionary. In fact, during the emerging years of early aircraft, many designers incorporated many designs, and as new technologies emerged, different designers incorporated them, frequently while they were in the midst of their design. The new technology was incorporated because it was recognized as having some potential improvement in airframe weight, performance, survivability, supportability, or cost. (Kelly, Paul, Venkayya, & Hess, 2002) The evolution and inclusion of technological advancements were key from 1900 to 1920, as aircraft design advanced from its early stages to weaponized war birds.
The history of aviation if full of a wide variety of aircraft designs: fighters, bombers, transports, and a large variety of biplanes, and experimental airplanes that used the sky as a testing ground. Their accomplishments are as storied as their past, some set records, some won wars, others were purely for fun and entertainment, regardless of their original intention, they all influenced aviation.
Then there were the transformational airplanes. The ones that changed design practice so that future aircraft of similar type were different from what had flown before.
The transformational airplane was not as well known, as they should have been. Their improvements generally appeared on later designs that became better known than their predecessor became. A few changed not only their basic aircraft design, but also the aviation community, and sometimes more; they are remembered, however, generally for their advancements in the science of flight. (Hallion, 2008)
The aircraft selected are but a few of the many aircraft of that period that
Early Stages to Weaponized Warbirds
Michael R. Boehnel
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. JoAnne LeBeouf
Many designers have made the claim that their designs were unique, one-of-a-kind, or revolutionary, however, time has shown that design changes have been more evolutionary rather than evolutionary. In fact, during the emerging years of early aircraft, many designers incorporated many designs, and as new technologies emerged, different designers incorporated them, frequently while they were in the midst of their design. The new technology was incorporated because it was recognized as having some potential improvement in airframe weight, performance, survivability, supportability, or cost. (Kelly, Paul, Venkayya, & Hess, 2002) The evolution and inclusion of technological advancements were key from 1900 to 1920, as aircraft design advanced from its early stages to weaponized war birds.
The history of aviation if full of a wide variety of aircraft designs: fighters, bombers, transports, and a large variety of biplanes, and experimental airplanes that used the sky as a testing ground. Their accomplishments are as storied as their past, some set records, some won wars, others were purely for fun and entertainment, regardless of their original intention, they all influenced aviation.
Then there were the transformational airplanes. The ones that changed design practice so that future aircraft of similar type were different from what had flown before.
The transformational airplane was not as well known, as they should have been. Their improvements generally appeared on later designs that became better known than their predecessor became. A few changed not only their basic aircraft design, but also the aviation community, and sometimes more; they are remembered, however, generally for their advancements in the science of flight. (Hallion, 2008)
The aircraft selected are but a few of the many aircraft of that period that