Structural Design: An Account of the Design Philosophy Pursued for the Principal Load Carrying Structures and the Materials Employed Available to Purchase

THE structural design of the BAC One‐Eleven generally follows closely that of the Vickcrs Vanguard and the VC10†—involving the use of a considerable number of integrally‐machined components. As a short‐haul aircraft the average time per flight of the BAC One‐Eleven is expected to be of the order of 45 min. during which period full cabin pressure differential will be attained, speeds of the order of its design cruising speeds will be achieved and the undercarriage and flaps will be operated for take‐off and landing. Based on current estimations this involves a design aim of a minimum crack‐free life of 40,000 flights, landings and take‐offs —a much more severe requirement than that for the long‐range subsonic jets. Critical areas of the aircraft (undercarriage, flaps, tailplane and cabin pressure skins) are thus designed on fatigue considerations related principally to the number of flights made. The accent has therefore been placed on building a rugged structure which is easy to maintain and has a long service life. Small amounts of additional weight, properly disposed, can effect large improvements in the service life, particularly necessary on a short‐haul aircraft, and although weight saving is always of prime importance it must be balanced by other factors—especially in the primary structure.