The module will cover a range of advanced aerospace applications.



Helicopter control systems will be studied as well as the complex aerodynamics affecting the main rotor advancing and retreating blades in forward flight, including their dynamics and mechanisms, as well as alternative designs that avoid the use of a tail rotor.



UAV drones will be studied to understand the legal and operational framework related to their operation. Their design will be studied from the determination of payload types, to propulsion, motor and propellor selection, battery selection and sizing, control, communications and sensors.



Rocket development and propulsion systems will be studied, including thrust equations, nozzle design, solid and liquid engine design considerations, staging and launch systems. Orbital dynamics will be studied including transfer orbits, interplanetary travel and gravity assisted trajectories.



Applications of commercial aviation and aircraft operation will be studied including aircraft performance, fuel planning, mass and balance calculations, meteorology and aviation standards and regulations including security considerations.

A 4000 words assignment weighted at 100%, assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. A series of questions to be answered covering specific topics covered in the module, requiring an in-depth investigation and answers. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: C4, C14, C17



Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 30% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions related to the subject area through a variety of activities which will include:¿

Lectures

Seminars¿

Student-centred learning

Case studies and tutorials¿

Group problem solving activities¿

1 Critically analyse the performance of helicopter and rotorcraft controls and aerodynamics. (AHEP 4: C17)

Learning,

Enquiry



2 Demonstrate knowledge and analysis of the various international legal and ethical issues affecting UAV drone design, application and maintenance procedures. (AHEP 4: C4, C17)

Knowledge and Understanding



3 Demonstrate a systematic comprehension of the principles behind rocket propulsion and the rocket design process and orbital dynamics. (AHEP 4: C17)

Knowledge and Understanding,
Analysis



4 Demonstrate a systematic comprehension of commercial flight technicalities such as fuel planning, aircraft performance, mass and balance and meteorology including aviation standards and security. (AHEP 4: C14)

Enquiry,
Application

Anderson, J. D., (2005) Introduction to Flight 5th Ed. McGrawHill

Anderson, L. E. and Bolt, S. B., (2016) Professionalism: Skills for workplace. Pearson

Barnard, R. H. and Philpott, D. R., (2010) Aircraft Flight, Prentice Hall



Cinnamon, I., (2016) DIY Drones: design build and customise your own drone, McGraw Hill, ISBN 978-1259861468



Hitchens, F. E., (2023) Range and Endurance: Fuel Efficient Flying, pub Acorn Books, ISBN 978-1837919789


Kleuver, C. A., (2018) Space Flight Dynamics, pub Wiley, ISBN 978-1119157823


Kroes, M. J., Watkins, W. A., and Delp, F., (1993) Aircraft Maintenance and Repair, McGraw Hill


Malfitano, B., (2023), Simplified UAV Design for Students, pub Independent, ISBN 979-8392026944



McClanroch, N. H., (2011) Steady Aircraft Flight and Performance , Princeton Uni Press, ISBN 978-0070288126


Prouty, R., (2016) Helicopter Aerodynamics III, Pub Eagle Eye, ISBN 978-1732540941



Rathakrisnan, E., Helicopter Aerodynamics (2018), pub PHI Learning, ISBN 978-9388028295



Turner, M. J. L., (2008) Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion, Pub Springer Praxis, ISBN ¿978-3540692027



Walmsley, S., (2018) Meteorology for the commercial pilot, Pub Independent, ISBN 979-8846343368

Blackboard, PCs, flight simulator, commercial drones for hands-on flying, Standard office software

In this module you will gain an in-depth understanding of the operation and design of drones including legal and ethical issues. You will learn about helicopter controls and aerodynamics, as well as the development and design of rocket engines and systems. You will also study aspects of commercial aviation and aircraft operation including fuel planning and mass and balance calculations.