Propulsion airframe integration design and analysis has many challenges as we move into the 21st century. Along with the conventional challenges of integrating a propulsion system on an aircraft, new technologies and new business drivers dictate innovative approaches to the design process be developed and applied.

On the technical side, new innovations in jet noise suppression and new aircraft concepts such as the blended wing body (BWB) will give rise to many challenges in propulsion system performance, operability, and meeting system requirements such as thrust reverse capability. Aircraft engine and aircraft manufacturers must have the appropriate design and analysis tools in place which provide the ability to react quickly to inevitable design changes, driven by constantly changing requirements, during the product development cycle.

On the business side, the rapid globalisation of the business dictates that the latest electronic technology be utilised to enable speed in communication with global customers as well as revenue sharing partners. More than ever, cost and schedules dictate the use of analytical methods to minimise the amount of qualification testing. Design and analysis software must be flexible and capable of integrating CAD/CAM and CAE tools while maintaining configuration control of the product.

The following paper describes some of the new technical challenges facing the industry. Innovative methods of addressing those challenges are described.