Significance of modifications for development of passenger airplanes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the design experience of creation of passenger airplane families. Methods of taking into account future modifications for family creation during the design of the basic airplane are proposed.Design/methodology/approachTrend analysis of airplane data was based on available statistics and previous research results by using a systematic approach. Proposed methods are based on practical experience and aircraft design theory.FindingsThe paper provides the results of analysis of creation of passenger airplane families. It suggests that reserves should be allocated during design of the first family member to ensure successful creation of other members. A method based on aircraft fleet optimization is suggested for determining these reserves.Research limitations/implicationsThe field of research connected to aircraft fleet creation methods still remains largely unexplored. The paper presents a systematic general concept, which the researchers are encouraged to develop further (e.g. for aircraft of different types and purpose than presented in the paper).Practical implicationsThe paper proposes transferring from “point optimization” of aircraft during early design stages to inclusion of reserves into the project, which would be used for aircraft family creation.Originality/valueThe paper studies the problem of taking into account the necessity for airplane family creation during the early stages of airplane design and offers an approach to its solution. It could be of interest to aircraft design specialists.