NX Layout lets you quickly explore design concepts in 2D, so you can meet project and proposal requirements with ease. A 2D component is analogous to a 3D part in the context of a 2D environment. They can be created and organized in a multilevel hierarchical structure, and managed for re-use in other layouts.

Once you have established a reuse library with a multitude of 2D components, it’s easy to then drag and drop those components into NX Layout to either create new or modify existing layouts. The tutorial here will demonstrate this.

We have an executive jet that we will modify to meet the specs of a given proposal.

Start with the front view of the aircraft, and change the diameter and wing angle to align with the past design of an executive jet. To do this, simply select and then edit each parameter or dimension. All proper constraints are already in place, so the changes update accordingly.



Next we will add a fuselage from the reuse library onto the front view.

Note: The reuse library does not come preloaded with parts. The fuselage was created and added by a colleague prior to this example.

In the reuse library under aerospace executive jet, we see an available fuselage in the context of the front view. Anchor that to an existing point on the front. The layout is modified, and now we will finish the updates to it.

We want to once again adjust the wing angle so that it lines up with that of the previous executive jet. There are several types of wingtips available that we can add to this jet. In this case, we will choose a winglet. Notice how quickly we can add a new layout to a project or proposal.



Now let’s look at the side view of the fuselage. There are a variety of different types of 2D components that we can add to this view. The previous aircraft contained two windows, but for this proposed executive jet, we want to add a third to bring more light into the fuselage.

Once the window has been added, it’s time to put in some seats. There are both captain and passenger seats, each with proper anchor locations. You can also place the seats in a location of your choosing if you prefer.

Once that is done, we will add a layout of a passenger from the 2D manikin folder to determine if there is enough space to accommodate a pilot and passengers in the aircraft.



Now, it’s time to add engines. There are many different types to choose from, but in this case, we will select an ACME700 series to add. Once again, we can modify the existing sketch to ensure it matches with the previous aircraft design.

The last view we will work on is the top view. Line up the new layout to the previous jet, and add the fuselage. Drag seats into place using the reference points to determine the desired location. Finally, locate the type of wings you would like and add them to the executive jet.

NX Layout makes quick work of satisfying project or proposal requirements.