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