How do I get them to build my design?
Question by Munz: How do I get them to build my design?
I have designed an airplane that I would like to see take to the skys as the real thing, however, it is rather large so I cant build it in my garage, and it would cost upwards of ,000,000 AUS. I know it sounds stupid but it could really work. I have also designed an aircraft never seen before capable of being used by the military a great deal. Can anyone help?
Best answer:
Answer by Denis S
First off, protect your design. I don’t know about Aussie law but US law says keep a record of your design with dates, log books, pictures, sketches, etc. to verify you were first with the idea. Once you’ve applied for a patent, contact the big airline companies, Boeing, Lockheed Martin in the US, Airbus in Europe and tell them you have an idea and try to set up a meeting. You’re going to have to be persistent and remember to protect yourself with confidentiality agreements and the like while you’re shopping your idea around. It won’t easy no matter how good your idea is but be persistent.
Your other route is to go throught the military and shop the idea that way. That may be the more tortured path though.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
If it is really radical people will be skeptical. One idea is to build a small scale flying model first. Not necessarily scaled exactly, as that is not always possible, but something to show proof of concept. Proper drawings, even if basic, will also help. Any special formulas, design notes etc. Show how these apply to the model’s performance. These are all things that make it easier for someone to make a decision.
I would look it up too, as just about anything will fly with enough power and a little understanding, and it has probably been tried before. There have been tandems, flying discs, flying wings, tail first, all built, and with models there are more exotic or outlandish, with flying animal shapes (yep pigs too) as people take up the challenge. Even successful flapping wings exist. The current designs are refined, and about manufacturing and operational economics, so any departure from this is likely to be disappointing. It must have some real advantage to have any chance of being accepted.
You could try a university to help with your proof of concept, taking into account your intellectual property protection. If they laugh, then be positive about the money you have saved. If they think you are on to something, it gets complex and expensive, with no guaranteed outcome. They may be able to help with that too.