Parametric studies in aircraft design

The method by which the designers select the initial ´baseline´ design involves the use of parametric studies. This paper describes how the aircraft initial design layout is used as the focus for further parametric studies. After a brief general introduction to the methods used, an example is presented showing how different types of parametric study are used in a case study. This example may be used to guide student project work and to allow a comprehensive understanding of the design area before finalizing the aircraft configuration.