Appendix 8.

1
Notes on Airplane weight estimation
Jasdeep Singh *
1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Opening remarks

1.1.1

Minimization of the weight of an airplane is a subject of utmost importance in

airplane design. Although reduction in weight is generally obtained only at some initial
cost penalty, its effects on total operating cost are paramount for most high performance
designs. During the initial conceptual design, the choice of the airplane layout, geometry
and detailed configuration influence the weight. Hence accurate prediction of weight is
necessary not only to make an assessment of the design qualities, but also to set a goal for
structural and systems design.
1.1.2 Although considerable information is available on this topic, need has been felt, for
standardized, uni-source set of parametric equations that can correlate the weight data for
existing airplanes to a reasonable degree of accuracy. In terms of teaching aid, the same
set of equations would help in appreciating, the interplay of various parameters on
weight of a component, and the influence of a given weight change on the overall take off
weight, and consequently cost of airplane and its operation.
1.1.3 In the present report the information, has primarily been sought from Airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* M.tech student (2004-2006)
1

Design Part V: Component Weight Estimation by J. Roskam (Ref. 1). A methodology

for estimation of weights of airplane components is presented; it is assumed that the
preliminary weight estimation has already been carried out, and the airplane performance
and structural capabilities have been worked out. Three categories of airplanes are
considered:
1.1.3.1 Twin engine propeller driven airplane
1.1.3.2 Jet transport
1.1.3.3 Fighter
1.2

Aim

To present a standard set of parametric equations and the methodology

involved in calculating weights of airplane components.

1.3

Scope The scope of this report is limited to the following aspects.

1.3.1 Overall major groupings of airplane weight
1.3.2

Methodology to calculate component weights using given equations for

the three categories of airplanes mentioned in para 1.1.3

1.3.3

Employment of same set of developed equations for component weight

estimation of B-737-200, and comparison of results obtained with known weight

data of the airplane.
2.

Major Groupings of Airplane Weight

2.1

The airplane take-off weight is the sum of fuel load, payload and the empty

weight. While the first two weights may normally be specified in the mission requirement

or already known from preliminary sizing process, the empty weight needs to be
evaluated in detail.
2.2

The airplane empty weight can be sub-divided into the following.

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

Structural weight: It includes weights of the following.

2.2.1.1

Wing

2.2.1.2

Empennage horizontal tail , vertical tail and / or canard

2.2.1.3

Fuselage

2.2.1.4

Nacelles

2.2.1.5

Landing gear nose and main wheels

2.2.1.6

Surface control structure(s)

Power plant weight: It includes the weights of the following.

2.2.2.1

Engine dry weight

2.2.2.2

Air induction system

2.2.2.3

Propeller(s)

2.2.2.4

Engine fuel system

2.2.2.5

Propulsion system

Fixed equipment weight: It includes weights of the following.

2.2.3.1

Flight control system

2.2.3.2

Hydraulic and pneumatic system

2.2.3.3

Electrical system

2.2.3.4

Instrumentation, avionics, electronics

2.2.3.5

Air conditioning, pressurization, anti-icing system

2.2.3.6

Auxiliary power unit (APU)

2.2.3.7

Furnishings

2.2.3.8

Baggage and cargo handling equipment

2.2.3.9

Armament (for military airplanes)

2.2.3.10

Paint

Remark: List of symbols is given at the end of the report.

3.

Weight equation method Development & procedures for evaluation of

component weights.
3.1.

This method accounts for the following factors.

3.1.1

Airplane take-off gross weight

3.1.2

Wing and empennage design parameters, such as, area, taper ratio,
thickness ratio, and sweep.

3.1.3 Load factor

3.2

3.1.4

Design cruise and dive speed (from V- n diagram)

3.1.5

Fuselage configuration

3.1.6

Powerplant installation

3.1.7

Landing gear design and disposition

3.1.8

Preliminary structural arrangement

Pre-Requisites: It is assumed that the following information is available.

3.2.1

Preliminary sizing of various components.

3.2.2 The weights of fuel, payload, trapped fuel and oil, and crew are known.
3.2.3

The limit and ultimate load factors during cruise and dive have been
obtained from respective V-n diagrams.

3.3

Methodology
3.3.1

Step 1: List all items for which the weights are known (from preliminary
sizing, or mission specification).

3.3.2

Step 2: List all airplane components for which weights have to be

estimated.

3.3.3

Step 3: Determine the weight estimation category that best represents the
airplane being designed.

3.3.4 List out the relevant set of equations for the category of airplane being
considered.

3.4

3.3.5

List out requisite input data needed for the chosen set of equations.

3.3.6

Compute the component weights, and obtain an estimate for empty

weight.

Four basic methods are generally adopted for estimation of

Types of Methods
component weights (Ref.1).
3.4.1

Cessna method

3.4.2 USAF Method

3.4.3

GD (General Dynamics) Method

3.4.4

Torenbeek Method

Note: In this report Torenbeek method is mainly used.

4.

Twin engine propeller driven airplane Component weight determination

4.1

Known Weight Data

4.1.1. Payload weight (WPL ) = 1250 lbs

4.2

4.1.2

Fuel weight (WF ) = 1706 lbs

4.1.3

Weight of trapped fuel and oil ( Wtfo ) = 44 lbs

4.1.4

Weight of engine (We) = 1400 lbs

Weights to be determined
4.2.1

Structural weight (Wstruct)

4.2.2

4.2.3

4.2.1.1

Wing (Ww)

4.2.1.2

Empennage (Wemp)

4.2.1.3

Fuselage (Wf)

4.2.1.4

Nacelles (Wn)

4.2.1.5

Landing gear (Wg)

Powerplant weight (Wpwr)

4.2.2.1

Engine(s) (We)

4.2.2.2

Air induction system (Wai)

4.2.2.3

Propellers (Wprop)

4.2.2.4

Fuel system (Wfs)

4.2.2.5

Propulsion installation (Wprop)

Fixed Equipment Weight (Wfeq)

4.2.3.1

Flight controls (Wfc)

4.2.3.2

Electrical sytem (Wels)

4.2.3.3

Instrumentation, avionics, electronics (Wiae)

4.2.3.4

Air conditioning / De-icing (Wapi)

4.2.3.5

Oxygen (Wox)

4.2.3.6

Furnishings and paint (Wfur and Wpt)

4.3

Airplane weight estimation category:

4.4

Set of Equations
4.4.1
4.4.1.1

General Awation Airplane

Wstruct
Ww = 0.00125 WTO

(nult )

0.55

cos 1
2

bS

tr WTO cos 1

0.75

cos 1 2
2
1 + 6.3

b

0.3

WT0 = Take-off weight in lbs.

b = wing span; 1/2 = semi chord sweep; S = wing area in ft2
nult = ultimate load factor
tr = maximum thickness at wing root in ft.
4.4.1.2

Wemp = 0.04 { nult (SV + Sh)2 }0.75

Sv= vertical trail area in ft2; Sh = horizontal tail area in ft2 .

4.4.1.3

Wf

= 0.021 Kf {(VD lh) / (wf + hf)}1/2 (Sfgs)1.2

where Kf = 1.08, for pressurized fuselage

= 1.07, for main gear attached to fuselage
= 1.10, for cargo airplane with cargo floor
VD = design dive speed (in knots)
lh = tail length i.e. distance from wing c /4 to
horizontal tail c h / 4 (in ft)
Sfgs = fuselage gross shell area (in ft2)
4.4.1.4

Wn = 0.14 (PTO) ; PTo= Take-off power in HP

4.4.1.5

Wg = 0.054 (lsm)0.501 (WL nult.l)0.684 ; based on USAF

method
Where: nult.l = landing ultimate load factor ( 5.7)
lsm = shock strut length for main gear in ft.
WL = Landing weight

4.4.2

Wpwr
4.4.2.1

We (from para 4.1.4)

4.4.2.2

Wai = 1.03 (Ne)0.3 (PTO / Ne)0.7

Ne = Number of engines

4.4.2.3

Wprop = K prop2 (NP)0.218 {Dp PTO (Nbl)1/2} 0.782

where K prop 2 = 0.108, for turbo- props

= 0.144, for piston engine
Np = Number of propellers
Dp = Propeller diameter in ft
Nbl = Number of blades per propeller
Wfs = 2 (WF / 5.87)0.667

4.4.2.4
4.4.3

Wfeg
4.4.3.1

Wfc = 0.33 (WTO)2/3

4.4.3.2

Wels = 0.0078 (WE)1.2, also includes weights of hydraulic

and pneumatic systems; WE = empty weight in lbs.

4.4.3.3

Wiae = 40 + 0.008 WTO

4.4.3.4

Wapi = 0.018 WE for multi-engined unpressurised

airplane.

4.4.3.5

Wox = 7 (Ncr + Npax)0.702 Based on GD method

4.4.3.6

Wfur = 15 Npax + 1.0 Vpax+cargo

Npax = no.of.passengers plus crew
Vpax+cargo = volume of passenger cabin plus cargo
compartment in ft3.

4.5

Input Data
WTO = 7900 lbs

nlim = 3.44

Cruise speed Vc = 248 kts: Dive speed = VD= 310 kts

S = 172 ft2
: nult = 5.16

A=8

= 0.4

1/4 = Oo

(t/c)m = 0.17

b= 37.1 ft

tr = 1.13 ft

(Sh) = 58 ft2

bh = 14.9 ft

trh = 0.53 ft

lh = 24.3 ft

Sv = 38 ft2

bv = 6.16 ft

trv = 0.66 ft

lf = 39.3 ft

wf = 4.5 ft

hf = 5.5 ft

Kf = 1.08

lsm = 6 ft

WL = 7505 lbs :

nult.l = 4.0

K prop 2 =0.144

Np = 2

Nbl = 3

PTO = 850 hp

Dp = 7.8 ft

4.6

Weight computation (using paras 4.4 in conjunction with 4.5)

= 410 lbs

4.6.1

Ww

4.6.2

Wemp = 155 lbs

4.6.3

Wf

= 1130 lbs

4.6.4

Wn

= 272 lbs

4.6.5

Wg

= 313 lbs

4.6.6

We

= 1400 lbs

4.6.7

Wai

= 88 lbs

4.6.8

Wprop = 250 lbs

4.6.9

Wfs

Wstruct = 2280 lbs ( 28.86 % of WTO)

Wpwr = 1873 lbs ( 23.71% of WTO)

= 135 lbs

4.6.10 Wfc

= 91 lbs

4.6.11 Wels

= 209 lbs

4.6.12 Wiae

= 103 lbs

4.6.13 Wapi

= 88 lbs

4.6.14 Wfur

= 410 lbs

Wfeq = 901 lbs ( 11.4% of Wro)

Consequently, WE = Wstruct + Wpwr + Wfeq = 5054 lbs ( 63.97%)

5.

Jet Transport Component weight determination

5.1

Known Weight Data

5.2

5.1.1

WPL = 30,750 lbs

5.1.2

Wcrew = 1025 lbs

5.1.3

WF = 25,850 lbs

5.1.4

Wtfo = 925 lbs

5.1.5

We = 9224 lbs

Weights to be determined
5.2.1

Wstruct - Ww , Wemp , Wf , Wn , Wg .

5.2.2

Wpwr

5.2.3

Wfeg Wfc ,Wels ,Wiae , Wapi, Wox , Wapu

- We ,Wfs , Wpc , Wess , ( weight of electrical start system)

Wfur , Wbc ( weight of baggage and cargo handling);

Wops (weight of operational items).
5.3

Airplane Weight estimation category :

5.4

Set of Equations
5.4.1

Commercial Transport Airplane

Wstruct
5.4.1.1 Ww = 0.0017 WMZF

x (nult)

cos 1/ 2
0.55

0.75

1/ 2

cos (1/ 2 )
1 + 6.3

b

bS

tr WMZW cos 1/ 2

0.3

where WMZF = Maximum zero fuel weight

= WTO - WF
Note

(a)

For 2 wing mounted engines reduce Ww by 5%

10

(b)

For 4 wing mounted engines reduce Ww by 10%

(c)

For landing gear net under wing reduce Ww by

5%

(d)

For fowler flaps add 2% to Ww

5.4.1.2 Wemp (= Wh + Wv)

5.4.1.2.1 Wh = Kh Sh

3.81 ( S )0.2 V / {1000 (cos )1/ 2 } 0.287

h
D
1/ 2

where Kh = 1.0 for fixed incidence stabilizers

= 1.1, for variable incidence stabilizer.
5.4.1.2.2 Wv = Kv Sv

3.81 ( S )0.2 V / {1000 (cos )1/ 2 } 0.287

v
D
1/ 2

where Kv = 1.0 for fuselage mounted horizontal tail

5.4.1.3 Wf = 0.021 Kf {(VD ln / (wf + hf)}1/2 (Sfgs)1.2
Kf = 1.08, for pressurized fuselage
= 1.07, for main gear attached to fuselage
= 1.10, for cargo airplane with cargo floor
Note : Effects of Kf are multiplicative
5.4.1.4 Wn = 0.065 TTO for high bypass ratio turbofans.
5.4.1.5 Wg = Kgr {Ag + Bg (WTO)3/4 + Cg (WTO) + Dg (WTO)3/2
Kgr = 1.0, for low wing airplane.

Where

= 1.08, for high wing airplane.

Note (a) for Main Wheels
Ag = 40.0 :

Bg = 0.16 :

Cg = 0.019 :

Dg = 1.5 x 10-5

(b) for nose wheels

11

Ag = 20.0 :

Bg = 0.10 :

Cg = 0.0 :

Dg = 2 x 10-6

5.4.2 Wpwr
5.4.2.1 We
5.4.2.2

- from para 5.1.5

Wfs = 80 (Ne + Nt 1) + 15 (Nt)0.5 (WF / Kfsp)0.333 , for airplane

with integral fuel tank.

5.4.2.3 Wthr.rev = 50.38 (We/1000)0.459

Kfsp = 5.87 lbs / gal for aviation gasoline
= 6.55 lbs/gal for JP-4.
5.4.3 Wfeq
5.4.3.1 Wfc = Kfc (WTO)2/3
Where Kfc

= 0.44, for unpowered flight controls

= 0.64 for powered flight controls

5.4.3.2 Wels = 10.8 (Vpax)0.7 {1- 0.018 (Vpax)0.35}

where : Vpax = passenger cabin volume in ft3
5.4.3.3 Wiae = 0.575 (We)0.556 (R)0.25
where R = Maximum range in nm
5.4.3.4 Wox = 30 + 1.2 (Npax) for short flights above 25000 ft.
5.4.3.5 Wapu = (0.004 to 0.013) WTO
5.4.3.6 Wfur = 0.211 (WTO WF)0.91
5.4.3.7 Wbc = Kbc (Npax)1.456
where Kbc = 0.0646, without preload provisions
= 0.316, with preload provisions.
5.5

Input Data
WTO = 1,27,000 lbs

nlim = 2.5

S = 1296 ft2

VC = 295 kts

VD = 369 Kts

nult = 3.75

A = 10

= 0.32

1/4 = 35o
12

5.6

1/2 = 33.5o

MH = 0.85

(t/c)m = 0.13

b = 113.8 ft

tr = 2.26 ft

Sh = 254 ft2

bh = 35.6

trh = 1.3 ft

c = 12.5 ft2

lh = 32.5 ft

Sv = 200 ft2

z h / bv = 0

lv = 35.8

Sr/Sv = 0.45

v = 0.32

Av = 1.8

1/4 = 45o

lf = 124.3 ft

wf + hf = 26.4 ft

qD = 461 psf

WL = 7505 lbs

nult.l = 4.0

; Area of inlet= Ainl = 28.3 ft2 ; Diameter of inlet =

Dinl = 6.0 ft

Weight Computation
5.6.1 Ww = 15,973 lbs
5.6.2 Wemp = 1218 + 829 = 2.047 lbs
5.6.3 Wf = 11,140 lbs

Wstruct = 37271 lbs ( 29.35%)

5.6.4 Wn = 3120 lbs

5.6.5 Wg = 4208 + 783 = 4994 lbs
5.6.6 We = 9224 lbs
5.6.7 Wfs = 1009 lbs
5.6.8 Wess

Wpwr = 12853 lbs (10.12%)

= 960 lbs

5.6.9 Wthr. rev = 1660 lbs

13

5.6.10 Wfc = 1617 lbs

5.6.11 Wels = 4063 lbs
5.6.12 Wiae = 1775 lbs
5.6.13 Wapi = 2166 lbs
5.6.14 Wox = 210 lbs

Wfeq = 22123 lbs ( 17.42%)

5.6.15 Wapu = 1016 lbs

5.6.16 Wfur = 7565 lbs

WE = Wstruct + Wpw + Wfeq

5.6.17 Wbc = 466 lbs

= 72247 lbs

5.6.18 Wups = 3245 lbs

( 56.89%)

6.

Test Examples: Weight components for B-737-200 (Jet Transport Aircraft)

6.1

Known weight Data

6.1.1 WPL = 34010 lbs
6.1.2 Wcrew = 1057 lbs
6.1.3 WF = 27 395 lbs
6.1.4 Wtfo = 950 lbs
6.1.5 We = 9030 lbs

6.2

Weights to be determined
6.2.1 Wstruct -Ww,

Wf, Wg , Wn , Wemp

6.2.2 Wpwr

-We, Wfs , Wpc, Wess

6.2.3 Wfeq

-Wfc , Wels , Wiae , Wapi , Wox;

Wapu , Wfur , Wbc , Wops

6.3

Airplane weight estimation category :

Commercial Transport Airplane

14

6.4

Set of Equations:

6.5

Input Data

As in Para 5.4

WTO = 100000 lbs ;

nult = 3.75;

S = 979.59 ft2

VC = 295 kts ;

VD = 375 kts ;

A = 8.83

= 0.266;

1/4 = 25o

1/2 = 23.5o

(t/c)m = 0.1289;

b = 93.02 ft;

tr = 1.607 ft

MH = 0.85

Sh = 336.9ft2

bh = 41.67 ft

lh = 48.5 ft ;

Sv = 204.4 ft2

lv = 39.7 ft

Sr / Sv = 0.45;

v = 0.288;

Av = 1.74

Ah = 5.15;

c / 2h = 30o;

c = 35o
2

c = 12.47 ft ;

trh = 1.18 ft;

lf = 96.92 ft

wf + hf = 24.48 sft ;

qD = 460 psf;

nult.l = 4.0

diameter of fuselage= df = 12.24 ft ; P2 = 20 psi ; length of nacelle =

ln = 22.98 ft
6.6

Weight computation

b
6.6.1 Ww = 0.0017 WMZF .

cos 1/ 2

(nult )

0.75

0.55

6.3 (cos 2
1/ 2
1 +

b


1

bS

tr WMZF Cos 1/ 2

0.3

where WMZF = 43091 Kgf = 94886.4 lbs

93.02
Ww = 0.0017 (94886.4)

cos 23.5
(3.75)

0.75

0.55

6.3 cos 23.5o 2

1 +

93.02


1

93.02 979.59

o
1.607 94886.4 cos 23.5

0.3

15

or

Ww = 11718 lbs

1
(for 2-eng, wing mounted configuration)
1.05

= 11160 lbs
6.6.2 Wemp
6.6.2.1 Wh = Kh Sh [3.81 {(Sh)0.2 VD } / {1000 (cos 1/2 h )1/2 }- 0.287]
where Kh = 1.0, for fixed incidence stabilizers

3.81 (336.9)0.2 375

Wh = (1.0 x 336.9)
0.287

o 1
1000 (cos 30 ) 2

or Wh = 1559.81 lbs

3.81 ( S )0.2 V

v
D

6.6.2.2 WV = Kv. Sv .
1 0.287
1000 (cos 1/ 2 v ) 2

where Kv = 1.0 for fuselage mounted horizontal tail

3.81 (204.4)0.2 375

Wv = (1.0 x 204.4 )
0.287

o 1
1000 (cos 35 ) 2

or Wv = 876.42 lbs
6.6.2.3 Wemp = Wh + Wv = 1559.81 + 876.42 = 2436.23 lbs
6.6.3 Wf = 0.021 Kf {(VD lh ) / (wf + hf)}1/2 (Sfgs)1.2
where Kf = 1.08 x 1.07 = 1.1556
Sfgs = df .lf = (12.24) (96.92) = 3726.87 ft2
1

375 48.5 2
Wf = 0.02 x 1.1556

24.48

(3726.87 )1.2

= 12767.95 lb
6.6.4 Wn = 0.065 TTO

16

since

TTO
= 0.2771 TTO = 0.2771 x 100000 = 27710 lb
WTO

Wn = 0.065 x 27710 = 1801.15 lb

6.6.5

Wg :
6.6.5.1 Nose wheel : Wnw = Kgr {Ag + Bg (WTO)3/4 + Cg (WTO) + Dg (WTO)3/2}
where Kgr = 1.0 for low wing airplane
Wnw = 1.0 {20 + 0.1 (100000)3/4 + 0 + 2 x 10-6 (100000)3/2}
= 665.59 lb
6.6.5.2 Main wheels : Wmw = 1.0 {40 + 0.16 (100000)3/2 + 0.019
(100000) + 1.5 x 10-5 (100000)3/2)
= 3314.09 lb
6.6.5.3 Wg = Wnw + Wmw = 665.59 + 3314.09 = 3979.68 lb

6.6.6 We

= Ne x weight of one engine

= 2 x 4515
= 9030 lbs

6.6.7 Wfs = 80 [Ne + Nt 1] + 15 (Nt)0.5 (WF / Kfsp).333

where ;

Ne = No. of engines = 2
Nt = No. of fuel tanks = 6
Kfsp = 5.87, lbs / gal, for aviation gasoline

17

 27395
Wfs = 80 (2 + 6-1) + 15 (6)0.5

5.87

0.333

= 1172.29 lbs
6.6.8

Wess = 38.93 (We / 1000)0.918 = 38.93 (9030 / 1000)0.918 = 293.5 lb

6.6.9 Wthr.rev = 50.38 (We / 1000)0.459 = 50.38 (9030 / 1000)0.459 = 138.33 lb

6.6.10 Wfc = Kfc (WTO)2/3 ; Kfc=0.64 from para 5.4.3.1
= 0.64 (100000)2/3
= 1378.84 lb
6.6.11 Wels = 10.8 (Vpax)0.7 {1- 0.018 (Vpax)0.35}
where Vpax

= volume per passenger x No. of passenger

= 0.19 x 130 x 3.2813
= 872.4 ft3

Wels = 10.8 (872.4)0.7 {1-0.018 (872.4)0.35} = 997.8 lb.

WE / WTO = 0.528 from preliminary weight estimation. Hence
WE = 0.528 x 100000 = 52800 lb,
R = 1900mm
From Para 5.4.3.3 , Wiae = 0.575 (52800)0.556 (1900)0.25
= 1603.76 lb
6.6.13 Wox

= 30 + 1.2 (Npax)

= 30 + 1.2 (130) = 186 lb

18

6.6.14 Wapu

= 0.0085 WTO
= 0.0085 x 100000 = 850 lb

6.6.15 Wfur

= 0.211 (WTO WF)0.91

= 0.211 (100000-27395)0.91 = 5556.63 lb

6.6.16 Wbc

= Kbc (Npax)1.456 , Kbc = 0.646 from para 5.4.3.7

= 0.0646 (130)1.456 = 77.29 lb

6.6.17 Wpaint = 0.0045 WTO

= 0.0045 x 100000 = 450 lb
6.7

Summary of Component Weights

6.7.1 Wstruct
6.7.1.1.

Ww = 11160 lb

6.7.1.2

Wemp = 2436.23 lb

6.7.1.3

Wf = 12767.95 lb

6.7.1.4

Wn = 1801.15 lb

6.7.1.5

Wg = 3979.68 lb

Wstruct = 32145.01 lb

6.7.2 Wpwr
6.7.2.1

We = 9030 lb

6.7.2.2

Wfs = 1172.29 lb

6.7.2.3

Wess = 293.5 lb

6.7.2.4

Wthr.rev = 138.33 lb

Wpwr = 10634.12 lb

19

7.3

6.8

Wfeq
6.7.3.1

Wfc =- 1378.84 lb

6.7.3.2

Wels = 997.8 lb

6.7.3.3

Wiae = 1603.76 lb

6.7.3.4

Wox = 186 lb

6.7.3.5

Wapu = 850 lb

6.7.3.6

Wfur = 5556.63 lb

6.7.3.7

Wbc = 77.29 lb

6.7.3.8

Wpaint = 450 lb

Wfeq=11100.32 lb

Empty weight (WE)

6.8.1 WE

= Wstruct + Wpwr + Wfeq = (32145.01) + (10634.12) + (11100.32)

= 53879.45 lb

6.8.2 The rated ratio of WE / WTO is 0.528, i.e., actual WE is 52800 lb. Hence,
our computation have an error of only 2.04%
7.

Fighter Component Weight Computation

7.1

Known Weight Data

7.1.1 WPL = 12,405 lb
7.1.2 Wcrew = 200 lb
7.1.3 WF = 18500 lb

20

7.1.4 Wtfo = 300 lb

7.1.5 We = 6000 lb
7.2

Weights to be determined
7.2.1 Wstruct :

Ww ; Wf ;

Wtallboom

Wengine section

Wg

7.2.2 Wpwr
7.2.2.1 We
7.2.2.2 Wafter-burner
7.2.2.3 Wai
7.2.2.4 Wfs
7.2.2.5 Wp
7.2.3 Wfeg
7.2.3.1 Wfc
7.2.3.2 Wels
7.2.3.3 Wiae
7.2.3.4 Wpi
7.2.3.5 Warm
7.2.3.6 Wfur
7.2.3.7 Wox
7.2.3.8 Waux.gear
7.2.3.9 Wglw

21

7.3

Airplane weight computation category

7.4

Set of Equations

Fighter and Attack Airplane

7.4.1 Wstruct
7.4.1.1 Ww =

19.29 {( K w nult WTO ) /(t / c) m } {(Tan LE 2 (1 ) / A(1 + )) 2 + 1} 106

0.464

{(1+)A}0.7 (S)0.58 based on GD method

where : Kw

= 1.00, for fixed wing

= 1.175 for variable sweep wing

Note : Check mission specification to use Wgross or WTO in this equation

7.4.1.2 Wemp = Wh + Wv
=

0.0034 (WTO nult )0.813 ( S h )0.584 x (bhtrh )0.033 (c / lh )0.28

0.915

x
1.014

(1 + zh / bv )0.5 (WTO nult )0.363 ( Sv )1.089 ( M H )0.60

0.19

0.726
(1 + S r / Sv )0.217 ( Av )0.337 (1 + v )0.363 (cos1/ 4 v ) 0.484
(lv )

where zh = distance from the vertical tail root to where the horizontal tail
is mounted on the vertical tail (in ft). For fuselage mounted hor.tail zh = 0 ;
Sr rudder area (in ft2)
7.4.1.3 Wf = 10.43 (Kinl)1.42 ( qD /100)0.283 (WTO/1000)0.95 (lf / hf)0.71

22

where Kinl = 1.25 for inlets on fuselage for buried engine

installation
= 1.0 for inlets located elsewhere

qD = design dive dynamic pressure (in psf)

7.4.1.4 Wtailboom = 0.021 Kf {(VD lh) / (wf + hf)}1/2 (Sfgs)1.2 ; Kf = 1.0
7.4.1.5 Wg = Same as in para 6.6.5
7.4.2 Wpwr
7.4.2.1 We from para 7.1.5
7.4.2.2 Wai = 0.32 (Ninl) (Ld) (Ainl)0.65 (P2)0.6 +
1.735 {(Ld) + (Ninl) (Ainl)0.5 (P2) Kd) (Km)}0.7331
where Kd = 1.33 for flat section ducts
= 1.0 for curved section ducts
Km

= 1.0 for MD < 1.4

= 1.5, for MD > 1.4

Ld

= Length of duct (in ft)

P2

= Maximum static pressure at engine compressor

face (in psi) (generally 15 to 50 psi)

7.4.2.3

Wfs = 41.6 {(WF / KfSP) / 100}0.818 + Wsupp

Where Wsupp = Weight of bladder support structure
= 7.91 {(WF / Kfsp) / 100}0.854

23

7.4.3 Wfeq
7.4.3.1 Wfc = 23.38 {(WF / Kfsp)/100}0.442
where WF

= mission fuel weight (in lb)

Kfsp= 6.55 lbs / gal, for JP-4

7.4.3.2. Wels = 426 {(Wfs + Wiae ) / 1000 }0.51

7.5

7.4.3.3

Wiae = 0.575 (WE)0.556 (R)0.25

7.4.3.4

Wapi = 202 {(Wiae + 200 Ncr) / 1000}0.735

7.4.3.5

Warm : Refer Tables A 9.1 (a) and A 9.2 (a) of Ref.1

7.4.3.6

Wfur = 22.9 (Ncr qD /100)0.743 + 107 (Ncr WTO / 10000)0.585

7.4.3.7

Wox = 16.9 (Ncr)1.494

7.4.3.8

Wauxgear Refer para 7.4.3.5 above

Input Data
Wgross =61,660 lbs;

nult = 11.0

S =787 ft2

VD = 563 kts;

qD = 1072 psf;

nutt = 7.33

A=6

Kw = 1.0

= 0.5

LE = 3.5o;

(t/c)m = 0.1

MH = 0.68

c = 11.9 ft ;

Sh = 93 ft2 ;

bh = 18.3 ft

trh = 0.51 ft;

lh = 32.3 ft ;

Sv = 147 ft2

zh / bv = 1.0;

lv = 26 ft ;

Sr / Sv = 147 ft2

v = 0.55;

Av = 1.2 ;

1/4v = 41o
24

Kinl = 1.25 ;

for fuselage: lf = 41.3 ft ;

hf = 6.83 ft

for tail booms: lf = 33.3 ft ; wf + hf = 3.06 ft;

7.6

Sfgs = 2 x 30.6 = 61.2 ft2

Nose Gear

Ag = 12;

Bg = 0.06;

Cg = 0;

Dg = 0

Main Gear

Ag = 33;

Bg = 0.04;

Cg = 0.01;

Dg = 0

Ninl = 2;

Ld = 8ft;

Ainl = 6.3 ft2

P2 = 30 psi ;

Kd = 1.0 ;

Km = 1.0 (see para 7.4.2)

Weight computation
7.6.1 Ww = 9490 lb
7.6.2 Wemp = 720 + 930 = 1658 lb
7.6.3 Wf = 5044 lb

Wstruct = 18646 lb

7.6.4 Wtail brom = 458 lb

( 30.24% of Wgrass )

7.6.5 Wg = 1996 lb
7.6.6 We = 4000 lb
7.6.7 Wafter bumer = 2000 lb
7.6.8 Wai = 445 lb

WPwr = 7300 lb

7.6.9 Wfs = 777 lb

( 11.84% of Wgrass)

7.6.10 Wp = 78 lb

25

7.6.11 Wfc = 1513 lb

7.6.12 Wels = 703 lb
7.6.13 Wapi = 347 lb
7.6.14 Wiae = 1033 lb

Wfeq = 5017 lb

7.6.15 Warm = 913 lb

( 8.14 % of Wgrass)

7.6.16 Wfur = 214 lb

7.6.17 Wox = 17 lb
7.6.18 Waux-gear = 277 lb
WE =18646+7300+5017= 30963 ( 50.22% of Wgrass)
Reference:
1. Roskam, J Airplane design Vol. V- component weight estimation Roskam aviation
and Engg. Corp. Ottawa, Kansas 1989.

26

List of symbols
Symbol

Definition

Dimension

Wing aspect ratio

-----

Ah,v,c

Hor.tail, Vert. Tail or Canard aspect ratio

------

Ainl

Inlet capture area per inlet

ft2

Wing span

ft

bh,v,c

Hor.tail,Vert. Tail or Canard span

ft

Wing mean geometric chord

ft

c h,v,c

Mean geometric chord hor.tail, vert.tail or canard

ft

Dp

Propeller diameter

ft

hf

Maximum fuselage height

ft

lf

Length of fuselage

ft

lh,v,c

Distance from wing 1/4c to 1/4ch,v,c

ft

lsm or n

Shock strut length for main gear or for nose gear

ft

Ld

Inlet duct length

ft

Mach number

Load factor

-------

Number of (see subscript)

-------

27

PTO

Required take-off power

hp

P2

Maximum static pressure at engine compressor face

psi

Dynamic pressure

psf

Range

nm or m

Wing area

ft2

Sfgs

Fuselage gross shell area

ft2

Sh,v,c

Hor, Vert. or canard area

ft2

Sr

Rudder area

ft2

t/c

Thickness ratio

-------

tr

Maximum root thickness

ft

Thrust

lbs

VC

Design cruise speed

KEAS

VD

Design dive speed

KEAS

VH

Maximum level speed at sea level

KEAS

Vpax

Volume of passenger cabin

ft3

Vpax+cargo

Volume of .passenger and cargo compartment

ft3

wf

Maximum fuselage width

ft

Weight

lbs

Wi

Weight of component i

lbs

28

zh

Distance from vert.tail root to where h.t. is mounted on ft

the v.t.
Greek symbols

Wing taper ratio

--------

h,v,c

Taper ratio for hor. tail, vert. tail or canard

--------

Sweep angle at nth chord station

Subscripts

ai

Air induction

api

Air conditioning, pressurization, de-icing and anti-icing

system

apu

Auxiliary power unit

arm

Armament

aux

Auxiliary

bc

Baggage and cargo handling equipment

bl

Blades

Canard

cc

Cabin crew

cg

Centre of gravity

crew or cr

Crew

29

Cruise

Dive

Engines (all)

ec

Engine controls

els

Electrical system

emp

empennage

ess

Engine starting system

Empty

Fuselage

fc

Flight control system

feq

Fixed equipment

fs

Fuel system

fur

Furnishings

Mission fuel

Landing gear

glw

Guns, launchers and weapons provisions

Horizontal tail

hps

Hydraulic and pneumatic system

Maximum level flight at sea level instrumentation

30

Instrumentation

iae

Instrumentation , avionics and electronics

inl

Inlet (s)

lim

Limit

Landing (subscript to W)

LE

Leading edge

Maximum

MZF

Maximum zero fuel

Nacelle

ops

Operational items

ox

Oxygen system

pax

Passengers

Propellers (subscript to N) or Propulsion system

(subscript to W)

prop

Propeller controls

pt

Paint

pwr

Powerplant

PL

Payload

struct

Structure

31

Fuel tanks

tfo

Trapped fuel and oil

thr.rev

Thrust reverser system

TO

Take-off

ult

Ultimate

ult.l.

Ultimate landing

Vertical tail

Wing

Acronyms
APU

Axillary power unit

C.G., c.g.

Centre of gravity

OWE

Operating weight empty

SHP

shaft horse power

TBP

Turboprop

32