Introduction to Aeronautics : A Design Perspective

The most exciting moment for an aeronautical engineer is when his or her design becomes a working aircraft, the endpoint of a journey that begins in the classroom. This textbook provides the resources that students need to understand the methods and thought processes involved in designing aircraft. Students learn through the use of specific analytical principles and practical examples taught to them through examples, case studies, and corresponding problems to solve.

For professors, this textbook comes complete with end-of-chapter homework problems that provide a summary of the concepts and features contained in the chapters. The problems provide the student with an excellent opportunity to analyze and synthesize industry examples, ensuring that they understand the key concepts and their applications.

A Microsoft Windows(tm) based software package on CD-ROM, entitled AeroDYNAMIC, is available separately or with the textbook.

Lt.Col. (Dr.) Steven Brandt, Associated Professor of Aeronautics, is an Air Force officer, pilot, and engineer with over 3,000 hours flying time in jet fighter and trainer aircraft and over 10 years experience as a platform instructor. He has taught the capstone aircraft design course to senior aeroengineering, mechanical engineering, and engineering sciences majors at the U. S. Air Force Academy for the past six years, and has been a pioneer in the use of design/build/fly as an instructional method in aircraft design courses. He is currently Deputy for Core Curriculum Development at the USAF Academy.

Col. (Dr.) Randall J. Stiles, Senior Military Professor, has extensive experience in engineering, space operations, contract management, instructional technology, and design education. He is currently Director of the Center for Education Excellence at the USAF Academy.

Dr. John J. Bertin, Professor of Aeronautics, is a member of the USAF Scientific Advisory Board, author and co-author of two books, and a world-renowned expert on hypersonic flight. He has over 30 years experience in aircraft design, hypersonic aerodynamics research, and university-level engineering education. He is currently the Content Supervisor for the core aero course at the USAF Academy.

Professor Ray Whitford, Senior Lecturer in Aeronautics at the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, England, has over 25 years experience in aircraft design, design education, and research. He is the author of one book and numerous technical papers and magazine articles.