This module will investigate alternative applications of flight, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, rockets and spacecraft.

Indicative content

- UAV and drones, consideration of propulsion, overall design, range, endurance, communications, sensors, ethics and laws
- Introduction to helicopters/rotary wings – rotorcraft configuration and layout, conventional rotor systems, hovering/vertical flight, forward flight performance, rotor blade aerodynamics in steady flight, blade motion, dynamics and control, loads on rotor hub, stability, aeroelasticity and how this also applies to wind turbines.
- Ballistic missile performance
- Basics of Rocket Performance – operation, thrust equations, nozzles/exhausts, solid propellants, charge mass, grain geometry, full first iteration motor design.
- Spacecraft Operations - Launch Systems, Orbital mechanics, Gravity assist trajectories, Interplanetary strategies, Practical considerations of space flight, Artificial satellites and space debris

Assignment portfolio (3000 words) covering all learning outcomes (AHEP3: SM1b, SM3b, EA4b. P4. P5, P6)

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including:
- Taught Lectures
- Tutorials
- Student centred learning to included laboratory work, group work, research and example questions and problems.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and analysis of the various international legal and ethical issues affecting UAV drone design, application and maintenance procedures. (AHEP3: SM1b, SM3b, EA4b. P4. P5, P6). Enquiry, Analysis

2. Critically analyse the performance of different helicopter and rotorcraft configurations in a range of flight regimes. (AHEP3: SM1b, SM3b, EA4b. P4.). Enquiry, Analysis

3. Demonstrate a systematic comprehension of the principles behind the rocket and the uncertainties and limits of the rocket design process. (AHEP3: SM1b, SM3b, EA4b. P4). Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving

4. Analyse the performance of spacecraft and space vehicle motion in orbits and on hyperbolic trajectories. (AHEP3: SM1b, SM3b, EA4b. P4. P6). Analysis, Application

Practical Laboratory Facilities, Engineering Software and PCs
Flight Simulator
Commercial UAV/drone hands-on flight experience

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2000). Solid Propellant Chemistry, Combustion and Motor Internal Ballistics. AIAA.

Austin, R. (2010) Unmanned Aircraft Systems UAV design, development and deployment, Wiley

Edberg, D. and Costa, W. (2020): Design of Rockets and Space Launch Vehicles. AIAA

Fahlstrom, P. G., Gleason, T. J., Sadraey, M. H. (2022); Introduction to UAV Systems (5th Edition). Wiley

Fortescue, P., Swinerd, G. and Stark, J. (2011); Spacecraft Systems Engineering (4th Edition). Wiley

Jenkins, K., (2018); The Droner’s Manual. Aviation Supplies and Academics

Padfield, G. (2007); Helicopter Flight Dynamics (2nd Edition). AIAA

Sadraey, M. H., (2020); Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems. Wiley

Seddon, J. and Newman, S. (2011); Basic Helicopter Aerodynamics (Third Edition). Wiley

Sutton. G. P. and Biblarz, O. (2017); Rocket Propulsion Elements (9th Edition).

This module will investigate alternative applications of flight, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, rockets and spacecraft.