Step & Repeat: Reduce Derivative Aircraft Development Risk with Design Reuse

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">The complex and risky process of designing derivative aircraft, especially when it comes to electrical systems, can be a daunting task at best. There are a number of design strategies that can be employed to mitigate risk and increase the overall efficiency. Quite simply, the current methods of manual processes, design and integration approaches that were optimized from mechanical approaches, are no match for today’s complexities.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">One method gaining significant traction is to employ a central database serving <i>global interface definitions</i> for the entire design process. Automation through generative design minimizes manual intervention and repetitive work. Furthermore, detecting changes through design rule checks allows system engineers to verify their designs, capturing both inadvertent and planned changes. The ability to instantly update the design content from the new definition streamlines the change management process.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Employing these technologies in a digital, connected thread, ensures that intelligent information is leveraged at every step along the way from aircraft conception, realization, and finally to utilization - thereby minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency.</div></div>