Fuselage config

• Analysis complexity, payload capacity, weight, strength, drag reduction, stability
  • Prioritize payload capacity, weight, strength
• Configs
  • Full
  • Pod and boom
  • Double boom
  • blended wing/flying wing/ etc

Full: Rectangular/Rounded fuselage cross section

• Rectangular
  • easier construction, more internal space (has corners)
  • Worse aerodynamic efficiency
  • ** Speed not accounted for in scoring
  • Truss structure more complicated in calculations

Pod and Boom

• Weight reduction, simple tail
• Analysis greatly reduced as only constant circular cross section

Twin Boom

• More empennage support
  • Allows for larger control surfaces for more pitch and yaw
• Allows for pusher prop config
  • Reduced prop induced airflow interference
  • Cleaner aero nose
  • However, lower propeller efficiency

Blended wing/flying wing/lifting body

• Limited payload capacity, need a large area plate due to low profile of fuselage
• More lift, reduced drag
• More research and experience needed
• Complex stability and control (no gyros allowed)
• Poor performance at low speed

Best Design → Double Boom Configuration

Wing Designs

• Constraints: Structural Strength, manufacturability/modularity, weight, stability, lift/drag, cost, cargo accessibility, # of sub sections
• Prioritize Manufacturability + Structural Strength