This page is an overview of the structural requirements and solutions in the recent history of aircraft design. The page is meant as a simple guide to understanding the basics of aeronautic structural design and the corresponding forces placed on different parts of the aircraft. It is difficult, if not impossible, to enter into a discussion or analysis of airframe collisions without understanding the basics of airframe construction. An airplane cannot be considered a rigid object of familiar shape. Nor can it be considered something totally collapsible – but somewhere in between. By paying close attention to the larger structural components of an airframe, we come to a more accurate understanding of aircraft collisions. In the situation where we have a collision with a solid structure – some parts of the aircraft are far more likely to collapse and others to remain strong. For example – the more familiar one is with aeronautic structures – the more one realizes how improbable the possibility of wings ‘folding up’ actually is. It may be consistent with a vision of the world as plastic injection molded shapes – but in fact has very little to do with the construction of airplanes.

			Aircraft: Design & Structure This page is an overview of the structural requirements and solutions in the recent history of aircraft design. The page is meant as a simple guide to understanding the basics of aeronautic structural design and the corresponding forces placed on different parts of the aircraft. Of course, aircraft designed for different purposes (the McDonnell Douglas F15A fighter jet, the Boeing 757 passenger airliner, the two seat Beachcraft Bonanza and others) will offer wildly different design solutions – depending on the requirements.

Of course, aircraft designed for different purposes (the McDonnell Douglas F15A fighter jet, the Boeing 757 passenger airliner, the two seat Beachcraft Bonanza and others) will offer wildly different design solutions – depending on the requirements. While the details of the designs my vary wildly, the basic principles that go into it’s construction are constant. One can never be reminded enough that the laws of physics are blind and do not change according to application.

			An Overview of the Structural Components in the Wing At left is box-beam construction of the main spar and it’s connections to the wing. Many aircraft use the inside wing area for gas tank mounting – since this is the safest (stiffest and strongest) part of the entire plane. By using many small, light structural components in conjunction with the relatively massive main spar assembly- the dual requirements of stiffness and strength can be satisfied where it counts.