Design of Light Aircraft is a comprehensive guide to aircraft design from one of the most respected names in aeronautical engineering, Richard D. Hiscocks. "Dick" Hiscocks was an aeronautical engineer who played a significant role in designing many successful aircraft models, including the DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, and DHC-6 Twin Otter during his time at de Havilland Canada. He was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame in 1998 for his contributions to the aviation industry.
This book is a culmination of Hiscocks' vast experience and knowledge in designing light, utility and STOL aircraft models. He developed the text late in his career following his consulting work on the Murphy Rebel light aircraft design and teaching at the University of British Columbia. His aim was to help readers understand the "design feel" required to size aircraft loads and layout within the constraints of performance, weight, strength, cost, and safety.
Design of Light Aircraft covers a wide range of topics, including loads, wing section properties, wing in three dimensions, performance considerations, maneuvering flight loads, wing loads, forces at aero-centre, gust loads, spanwise distribution of wing loads, tail design, pressures on wing sections, landing gear loads, biplane lift, engine mount and control system, flutter and stiffness, and fatigue. Hiscocks covers each of these topics in a comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand manner. All the arithmetic can be performed on a pocket calculator, and extensive data is provided for those who do not have ready access to a technical library.
The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the design process, from the preliminary equations and optimization to final structures and configurations. Hiscocks presents "rules of thumb" for many aspects of design, based on his years of experience, which can help aspiring designers avoid common mistakes. He also examines wing theory and the aerofoil selection process, scale effect, performance as required for a flight envelope, aspects of stability and control, and biplane theory.
Design of Light Aircraft is a must-have reference for engineers, aspiring aircraft designers, pilots, and anyone interested in the art and science of designing light aircraft. It is a testament to Hiscocks' legacy as one of the leading aeronautical engineers of his time and an invaluable contribution to the aviation industry.
