DESIGN PROCESS
A structured six-phase methodology guiding the PLR-19 Express from mission requirements through conceptual design review.
Requirements Definition
Mission Analysis & Design Requirements
Establish the operational requirements and design objectives for the PLR-19 Express. This phase defines the mission profile, payload requirements, range targets, and the unique constraints imposed by remote operations.
Key Deliverables
- Competitive / reference aircraft survey
- Define Operating Environments
- Mission Profile
Methods & Tools
Conceptual Sizing
Initial Sizing & Configuration Trade Studies
Perform initial aircraft sizing using statistical methods and constraint analysis. Evaluate multiple configuration concepts against the mission requirements to select the most promising design direction.
Key Deliverables
- Constraint diagram
- Initial weight estimation
- Configuration trade study
- Preliminary 3-view sketch
Methods & Tools
Aerodynamic Design
Wing Design, Drag Estimation & Performance
Design the wing and empennage geometry, select airfoils, and build the aerodynamic model. Generate drag polars and validate performance predictions against the mission requirements.
Key Deliverables
- Wing geometry definition (span, chord, sweep, twist)
- Airfoil selection & analysis
- Drag buildup (parasite + induced)
- Lift & drag polars (CLmax, CD0, e)
- Performance analysis (range, endurance, climb)
Methods & Tools
Propulsion & Systems
Engine Selection, Integration & Onboard Systems
Select and integrate the propulsion system based on power requirements derived from the performance analysis. Define all major onboard systems including avionics, fuel, and environmental control.
Key Deliverables
- Engine trade study & selection report
- Propulsion system integration drawing
- Fuel system schematic
- Weight & CG breakdown
Methods & Tools
Structural Design
Loads, Structural Sizing & Materials
Define the structural concept, perform load analysis across all critical load cases, and size the primary structure.
Key Deliverables
- V-n diagram
- Flight Envelope
- Load cases definition
- Primary structure concept drawing
- Structural sizing analysis
Methods & Tools
Design Review & Closure
Symposium Design Review
Integrate all design disciplines into a coherent final design package including a model, poster, and presentation.
Key Deliverables
- Integrated 3-view drawing (final)
- Complete technical specifications
- Presentation deck
- Final project poster
- 3D Model
Methods & Tools
DESIGN METHODOLOGY
The PLR-19 Express follows a structured conceptual design methodology based on Raymer's Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach and Roskam's Airplane Design series. Each phase builds on the previous, with iterative loops between aerodynamics, propulsion, and structures to converge on a balanced design that meets all mission requirements.