During the first five decades of commercial aviation, aircraft design changed dramatically. However, that hasn’t been the case over the last 50 years. Despite major developments in materials, the basic shape of commercial aircraft has remained relatively the same since the 1960s.
Whether it’s a business jet, a regional turboprop or a long-haul jetliner, most airplanes feature the same design elements. Typically, there’s a tubular fuselage attached to a pair of swept-back wings and a T-shaped tail section. Engines are mounted either under the wings or aft-mounted onto the fuselage with pods.