What is CPACS?

The Common Parametric Aircraft Configuration Schema (CPACS) is a data definition for the air transportation system. CPACS enables engineers to exchange information between their tools. It is therefore a driver for multi-disciplinary and multi-fidelity design in distributed environments. CPACS describes the characteristics of aircraft, rotorcraft, engines, climate impact, fleets and mission in a structured, hierarchical manner. Not only product but also process information is stored in CPACS. The process information helps in setting up workflows for analysis modules. Due to the fact that CPACS follows a central model approach, the number of interfaces is reduced to a minimum.

Cite & Acknowledge

CPACS is available as Open Source and we encourage anyone to make use of it. If you are applying CPACS in a scientific environment and publish any related work, please cite the following artice:

M. Alder, E. Moerland, J. Jepsen and B. Nagel. Recent Advances in Establishing a Common Language for Aircraft Design with CPACS. Aerospace Europe Conference 2020, Bordeaux, France, 2020.

CPACS 3.2.0

We are pleased to announce CPACS 3.2! Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the latest enhancements.

CPACS 3.2 is now available

- Replaced tool-specific elements with xsd:any element and strict schema request for validation
- UIDs adapted to type xsd:ID and xsd:IDREF
- UIDs optional …

CPACS supports IFAR-X Challenge

IFAR-X Group Picture 2019 at MAKS airshow in Moscow

CPACS is used as a key technology in the "IFAR-X Challenge". Young engineers and scientists from over 20 countries collaborate in developing a multi-disciplinary aircraft design process with the common goal of integrating green technologies in future aircraft.

A first meeting took place from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 …

CPACS 3.1.0

We are pleased to announce CPACS 3.1! Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the latest enhancements.

CPACS 3.1 is now available

- Redefinition of aeroPerformanceMaps
- Added nodes for detailed engine pylons and nacelles
- Added nodes to model generic walls
- Extension of material definition
- Added fuselage compartment definition …

CPACS 3.0.0

We are happy to announce CPACS 3.0 which is a major release with many new updates and improvements. Below you find a selection of some features. Please see GitHub for the full changelog.

CPACS 3.0 is now available

- New component segment definition
- Added nodes for the geometry of …

Survey on CPACS Usage

To all users of CPACS,

The use of CPACS as the central data model for collaborative aircraft design processes is constantly increasing. Experience from the past years has shown, that we must not disregard usability aspects. Therefore, in the content of the ATLAs project the development of an editor for …

CPACS 2.3.1-beta

CPACS 2.3.1 is a beta release, all parameters may be subject to change. Please see GitHub for the full changelog.

CPACS 2.3.1 is now available

Added a branch for the definition of design studies.
Added thermal properties for materials.
Revised the definition of flights/flightplans.
Added …
Event Post Thumbnail Image2

CPACS 2.3.0

We are proud to announce CPACS 2.3 A major release with a lot of features and various improvements. Below you find a selection of some features. Please see GitHub for the full changelog.

CPACS 2.3 release is now available

Included vector notation for weight and balance.
Included flight …