Notes

• NOTE Structural design is an iterative process. The process starts with the conceptual design of possible alternatives which can be considered to satisfy the general performance requirements and are likely to meet the main mission constraints (e.g. mass, interfaces, operation and cost). The various concepts are then evaluated according to a set of prioritised criteria in order to select the designs to develop in further detail. The main purpose of the evaluation is to identify the main mission requirements and to establish whether the selected concepts meet the requirements. The selected concepts are evolved and evaluated in more detail against a comprehensive set of mechanical requirements and interface constraints which are 'flowed down' from the main mission and functional requirements.