Parametric Equations for Estimating Aircraft Airframe Costs

Abstract

A set of generalized equations for estimating development and production costs of aircraft airframes on the basis of such characteristics as aircraft weight and speed is presented. (Extensive investigation has shown that these characteristics explain cost variations better than any other objective parameters.) Equations derived by multiple-regression techniques are presented for each of the major cost elements, for total program cost, and for prototype development costs. The report explains the derivation of each equation and describes the treatment of the data, the fitting of regression equations, and selection of preferred equations. A detailed numerical example is included which applies to preferred equations and compares the results to those obtained using several sets of alternative equations. 15