Conceptual Aircraft Design -- Lost Art or Science?

The focus of this paper is to address the latest in cutting edge technology in the field of conceptual aircraft design. This paper will stress the importance of the continuation of pioneering efforts in the field of aircraft design, as well provide a brief overview of the presentations that will be given at the International Powered Lift Conference (ILPC) in May of 2000. The coverage of these presentations incorporates a range of topics; from the latest in computer aided design, down to basic studies that highlight the trade studies of several of today’s aircraft designers.