Conics in the Lofting of Streamlines: Another Method of Approaching the Development of Body Lines in Aircraft by Means of Conic Sections

THE increase in aircraft sizes which is envisaged in the next few years, raises the question of adequate lofting space where the traditional method by fairing by eye is still used. This problem can be met by the adoption of a mathematical technique which not only eliminates the need for considerable space but also provides close and accurate control of the body form. Whilst the size factor may make the lofting problem more acute and so lead to a better appreciation of a mathematical method, the use of such a method is equally valuable in the case of smaller aircraft in that it enables the loftsman to blend all parts of the body form together and to provide the layout draughtsman with accurate shapes for all parts which contain part of the body contour.