[...]



This book is important in that it is practically the only one available in the area of modern(around 2000) jet transport design. Other more famous titles like Torenbeek(1981) and Roskam(1985,I don't yet have the 2002 version) are mostly outdated.

However, by comparison Civil Jet Aircraft Design is trying a bit too hard to simplify the many very sophisticated decision-making activities involved in the design process of a modern jet transport. Oftentimes the examples included are too simple or based on references not clearly cited in the text. The chapter on wing design and aerodynamics are so unreasonably simplified that they are of no use for someone doing even a small-scale course project. Many assumptions are made without any explanation and leave the reader completely to his own devices.

After thoroughly studying this book as well as other titles in this field, such as Torenbeek,Roskam,Raymer's aircraft design conceptual approach,Denis Howe's aircraft conceptual design synthesis,etc, during my graduate study I think this book with its minimum mathematical content is suitable for those who seek a casual look into the world of modern jet transport design and those who,like me, are studying aircraft design and in dire need of a comprehensive collection of related titles.

By the way, if you plan to actually apply the formulae found in the book, beware that fatal mistakes and typos are not uncommon. The Wing Weight formulae and the Takeoff ground roll formulae are the most noticeable two. If you have a professional interest in aircraft design, be sure to always do the mathematical deductions yourself.