1. Introduction; 2. Why should we design a new aircraft?; 3. Why is it that shape? - civil aircraft; 4. Why is it that shape - other types; 5. What's under the skin? - structure and properties; 6. What's under the skin? - airframe systems; 7. What's under the skin? - avionics, flight control and weapons systems; 8. Why do aircraft cost so much?; 9. What help can I get? - bibliography and computer-aided design; 10. The shape of things to come - should the project continue?; 11. What can go wrong? - some lessons from past aircraft projects, and a glimpse into the future; Appendix A. Useful aircraft design data; Appendix B. A-90 parametric study. Example. The A-90 500-seat airliner; Appendix C. The prediction of aircraft reliability and maintainability targets; References; Index.