Aircraft Design 3M

Overview

Working in teams students are expected to design, build and fly a radio controlled aircraft. They are expected to use engineering judgement backed up by systems engineering methods and supported by analytical tools to manage the development of their aircraft. Appropriate methods and tools should also be used to predict and analyse system performance. Students must justify all decisions made and communicate them in their key stage presentations, technical drawings and project report. Students are responsible for managing all aspects of the development process including the derivation of a bill of materials, sourcing and acquisition of these materials and construction of the aircraft.

Learning Objectives

Extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
Apply knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
Generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.

Plan and manage the design process, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes.

Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components.

Make use of technical literature and other information sources.
Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes for UAV development and operation.

Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches, and understanding their limitations, in order to solve engineering problems and implement action.

Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex engineering problems in UAV development.
Understand and evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics.

Investigate and define the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical health, safety, security and risk issues.

Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies (e.g. strutures, aerodynamics, motor / propellor performance).

Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the UAV including production, operation, maintenance and disposal.

Understanding of the requirement for environmental sustainablility during UAV development / operation and the ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate.

Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques, and an ability to evaluate commercial risk.
Understanding of codes of practice / industry standards:Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO), CAA Regulations Articles 241, 94, 94a, 94B, 95.
Ability to manage with technical uncertainty around analytical predictions and actual UAV performance.

Understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader.

Skills

Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems.
Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis.
Identify their own information needs in order to support complex problem requirements.

Complete an information search using a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources.

Deliver a paper or presentation that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively.

Participate effectively in the operation of a team and collaborate effectively with members of the team.

Assessment

None.