From the drawing-board to the computer workstations

DASSAULT AVIATION Designing Department personnel has rapidly evolved from the drawing-board to the computer workstations. This evolution was marked by two basic steps : (i) the utilization of CATIA; (ii) the introduction of the numerical mock-up. With this mock-up, not only the previous tools and representation rules became upset, but in addition, the physical support of these definitions disappeared when at the same time, disappeared also the normal place for information exchange and apprenticeship: the natural integrated team. Now the designer is alone behind his workstation to invent the aircraft, being aware that nobody can recall him, as previously the basic rules and specifications he most apply, In order that everyone can perfectly use the new working methods, it has been necessary: (i) to acquire the computer aided fool bases; (ii) to learn or revise the aircraft design principles, taking into account all the system related aspects as well as the manufacturing and maintenance needs; (iii) to integrate the new functionalities which will allow to numerically study and define all aircraft elements, in particular tubing and wirings, The present article explains how DASSAULT AVIATION has been able to successfully achieve this considerable change in due time.