Barnaby Wainfan
Barnaby is a Technical Fellow for Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Design organization. A private pilot with single-engine and glider ratings, Barnaby has been involved in the design of unconventional airplanes including canards, joined wings, flying wings and some too strange to fall into any known category.
Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 4: Stall Characteristics
Stall behavior plays a critical role in flight testing. Learn how design tweaks like stall strips and slots improve safety during early flights.
Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 3: High-Speed Taxi Testing
High-speed taxi testing requires precise control, detailed planning and cautious execution as speeds approach stall and rotation thresholds.
Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 2: Taxi Testing
All aircraft testing, including taxi tests, requires planning and discipline.
Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 1: Ground Tests
At some point, a configuration of the airplane is frozen, a prototype is built and testing begins.
Magic Configurations
Designers are continually trying to create new and better machines that will outperform and outsell what is currently available.
Marketability
The manufacturer must be able to sell enough airplanes to stay in business and make some money.
Manufacturing Considerations
The designer must consider all three factors: Mission, Manufacturing and Marketing.
Choosing the Configuration
Most of our recent discussions on the process of designing an airplane were based on the assumption that the airplane has a generally conventional...
Design Innovation
A designer must make a large number of decisions in the process of designing an airplane. These range from top-level decisions, like the overall...
In Case You Missed It
Alternative Realities
Larry Simpsons first building experience was deepened by his engine choice: an Eggenfellner H6 Subaru conversion. His attention to detail and tailored modifications led to more of a hands-on experience than he expected-sometimes frustrating, expensive and fascinating. By Larry Simpson.
Tribute to a Homebuilt Legend
Understanding Paul H. Poberezny means understanding the history of homebuilt aircraft in the USA. By Amy Laboda.
Spinner Bulkhead Clocking
Spinner woes were the topic of midsummer musings on Van’s Air Force this year....
