Chapter 2 discusses how the conceptual design process works and how it fits into the overall process of aircraft development. In Chapters 4-11 the techniques for the development of the initial configuration layout are presented. Considerations for observability, producibility, and supportability are also discussed. Chapters 12-19 address the analysis, sizing, and optimization of the design layout. Various chapters discuss aerodynamics, weights, installed propulsion characteristics, stability and control, performance, cost, and sizing.
Optimization based upon design requirements is introduced in a section on trade studies.
This material builds upon the methods for conventional aircraft design, but introduces additional considerations that affect the design layout and analysis. These are provided instead of numerous example calculations throughout the text to illustrate how the different aspects of design fit together as a whole. The appendices contain information useful in conceptual design, such as conversion tables, atmosphere and shock tables, and data on airfoils and engines. Mr. Raymer has managed to explain a very complicated process in a way that is both understandable and interesting. The solution of such problems require initial approximations with subsequent iterations.