Originally Posted by
evilroy
This is going to sound like a stupid question, but how do engineers start off designing an aircraft?
Do you look at the cabin capacity you want then build an airframe around it, followed by engines that suit the AUW? For things like fighters, do they start with the weapon system and design around that?
Where do you actually start?
You're right...almost. You start by deciding what it is you want the beast to do! i.e. Do you want to fly one pilot to prove a concept or try to build a two-crew commercial cargo carrier / high altitude strategic bomber? By doing this you can decide the amount of weight you want to carry and the distance and speed you want to go - and then start working out the machinery to do that....
Good luck!