Innovative Method for Aircraft Gross Weight and Center of Gravity Estimation

Gross weight estimates of conceptual and preliminary aircraft designs are critical to determine the feasibility of new systems to meet requirements, provide desired capabilities, and to establish realistic payload, performance, and cost expectations for new systems. These types of weight estimates are typically performed early in the development cycle. Parametric methods are typically used to produce the weight estimate of a conceptual/preliminary design. These methods depend on parametric weight equations at the conceptual design level and Finite Element Analysis at the detailed design level. However, these parametric methods are based on legacy designs and requirements; when concepts depart from these legacy designs and requirements, it can result in gaps and uncertainty in the resultant weight estimate. This effort will address this via development of an analytical methodology and tool for the weight estimation of conceptual and preliminary aircraft designs. An analytical weight estimating method uses engineering analysis techniques to estimate the weight of structure by determining initial sizing of the structural elements based on geometry, material properties, structural design criteria, and estimated loads. The result of these analyses can be combined to approximate the material volume necessary for design and to determine initial weight estimates of these structural elements.