Analytical calculation methods have a clear advantage when designing multi-layered composite cylindrical shells. Compared to Finite Element Methods (FEM) they enable more precise physical interpretations and weighting of the different design variables to be made and, hence, significantly facilitate problem-specified parameter studies and sensitivity analyses. Efficient optimization strategies allow to achieve methodically different design goals at the same time, serving as basic elements for the fast load-adapted structural optimization of fibre-reinforced composite cylindrical shells under especially dynamic loads. The results obtained on the basis of the developed analytical solution expressions make clear the benefits and urgency of a holistic concept for lightweight design using dynamically loaded fibre-reinforced composite shells. The established simulation models have been verified by way of selected examples of fibre-reinforced composite shells. In addition, the analytical results were fully corroborated by accompanying FE calculations for special lay-ups.