Design of a Low-Cost Easy-to-Fly STOL Ultralight Aircraft in Composite Material

Abstract

The paper deals with the design of an aircraft, starting from a market survey, the conceptual design loop and the preliminary choice of dimensions, and leading to the detailed design of efficient high-lift systems and a low-drag fuselage shape. Technological challenges regarding the design of low-cost systems for flap/slat retraction and a simple wing folding system are highlighted. Aiming at an efficient optimization algorithm, we developed a new integration technique between CAD, aerodynamic and structural numerical calculation. Examples deriving from this new approach are presented.