Design Methods

AHA uses appropriate technology. We know when to use a spade instead of a bulldozer.

The first stage of any design is conceptualisation. This is an interactive process which includes the client, as explained above. Our designer literally loses sleep during this stage; he is driven to pursue all the possible variants and to assess these as possible matches for the client requirements.

The second stage involves sizing and configuring. The passenger layout, the powerplant, cargo, crew, fuel, interface (ground, water, air) and many other aspects have to be sensibly studied and incorporated. Basic mathematical analyses will be carried out using computer and hand calculations. Intuitive choices will be tested.

Quite often, the next stage is the compilation of a Client Report. This will provide quite detailed information about the new vehicle and its capabilities, along with a cost estimate. We charge a nominal fee to produce the report. An artist's impression, and/or a scale model of the new vehicle may well be presented.

When the client has accepted the proposal and has given the go-ahead, AHA then initiates the detailed development stage. We use "concurrent engineering" techniques. In essence, this means that the sequencing of the design and build stages is such as to minimise elapsed time. As a side benefit, this also optimises expenditures on development.

With the very small numbers of production units that AHA sees, we cannot effectively use methods which were developed for the mass production companies. Thus, our design and production methods differ from those commonly used in the aircraft industry. We use CAD drafting where appropriate; we use a CAD/CAM process if it is efficient on a time/cost basis; we use commonality of parts where feasible. However, we find that the direct interaction of the designer and the artisan is the most effective method, and the most productive.

As always, the design is not completed until every rivet and every carbon fibre is defined on drawings. Whether or not there is a requirement for certification, AHA will always produce a full set of drawings, and AHA will maintain ownership of each design.

The information in this electronic document is proprietary to Advanced HYBRID Aircraft and is for the use of Parties having meaningful interest in information about the types of craft depicted herein. This document may not be copied in part nor in full without the express, written permission of the Management of Advanced HYBRID Aircraft.

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