DRAWING BOARD: Materials and Construction
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Early Materials

Since the beginning of time, we have tried to incorporate the usage of lightweight and durable materials to build our airplanes. Airframes of early aircraft consisted of a fuselage of truss design constructed of narrow hardwood boards or steel tubing and braced with wires. The wires, struts and braces provided most of the structural strength. They were made using light and strong woods such as spruce because they needed less power to get lift off and could stand more wear and tear.

Wings were built by making a flimsy framework that was covered with linen or other closely woven fabric. The linen was first soaked in water and then applied over the framework, because when dried, it would shrink, creating an extremely tight fit. The same method was used to form the skin over the fuselage.

Maintenance

Aircraft made of wood and fabric were difficult to maintain and they quickly deteriorated by the weather when put outside. They needed greater strength and durability. This led to the usage of steel.

Airframes of the Future

Airframe construction was radically improved during the 1930s. The aerodynamically contoured fuselage shell characteristic of today's aircraft was introduced at this time, and high-strength, lightweight metals replaced wood and fabric throughout the airframe.

The new materials used to build planes today are chiefly aluminum alloys, magnesium, and some stainless steel and titanium.

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