Title:
Extension of a knowledge-based design system for fuselage integration of future cargo aircraft in the overall aircraft design
Erweiterung eines wissensbasierten Entwurfssystems zur Rumpfintegration zukünftiger Frachtflugzeuge im Gesamtflugzeugentwurf
Authors:
P. Zemke, S. Hellbrück, C. Hesse, J. Biedermann, M. Fuchs, B. Nagel
Abstract:
The market for cargo aircraft is experiencing steady growth. As a result, more passenger aircraft are being converted to transport cargo at the end of their service life. The problem, however, is that passenger aircraft are not designed as cargo aircraft from the outset and therefore only become suitable for cargo missions through subsequent modifications. This leads to problems with the physical implementation regarding loads, masses, centers of gravity, and installation space. One possible solution is to consider the conversion of passenger aircraft as a cargo variant from the very beginning of the digital design processes. Knowledge-based methods and digital models can support this. In this work, a knowledge-based design system for the conversion of passenger to cargo aircraft cabins is extended to supplement the preliminary design process with these new design parameters. This makes it possible to design more efficient aircraft configurations. Another important goal is to accelerate the development of cargo aircraft and to make optimal design decisions. To achieve this, the new design methods must be integrated into the overall design process without data loss and via suitable interfaces. For this purpose, a methodological approach is being developed that links the design system for cargo aircraft as well as that for passenger aircraft with the aircraft preliminary design in a digital, interdisciplinary design process. This makes it possible to evaluate passenger and cargo cabins in the same design process, so that the conversion processes can be taken into account in the overall aircraft preliminary design.
Event:
Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2025, Augsburg
Location, Year:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2026
Format:
21,0 x 29,7 cm, 11 Pages
Descriptors:
EN: Knowledge-based engineering, aircraft cabin, aircraft structure, passenger-to-air transport Freighter, overall aircraft design, multidisciplinary optimization
Citation:
Zemke, P.; Hellbrück, S.; et al. (2026): Erweiterung eines wissensbasierten Entwurfssystems zur Rumpfintegration zukünftiger Frachtflugzeuge im Gesamtflugzeugentwurf. DGLR Published Conference Papers. Volume 4. (2026). ISSN: 2941-3451. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V.. (Text). https://doi.org/10.25967/650120. urn:nbn:de:101:1-2603111141475.417815316481.
Publishing Date:
11.03.2026