Feature modelling as a new architectural approach for the accelerated integration and early-stage development of hybrid-electric propulsion, MEA and MEE architectures

This paper presents a feature modelling philosophy and the developed tool, which can be used to support the conceptual design of future generation aircraft electrical architectures. The proposed feature model has been developed in FeatureIDE and consists of four sequential modelling stages, which are programmed to automatically narrow the selection of feasible design options in order to accelerate the complete system specification and documentation. The paper illustrates the feature modelling process, which starts from the identification of high-level aircraft and engine characteristics, considers medium-level electrical architecture layout options, before finally considering the detailed low-level characteristics of individual components.