Course content

The course covers avionics and aircraft systems and their integration into aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and satellites. Topics in the course include flight control systems, engine control systems, fly-by-wire systems, autopilot, navigation systems, communication systems, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, pneumatic/compressed air systems, environmental control systems, emergency systems, human-machine interfaces and computer systems. Interaction between such systems will be addressed. The course will also cover systems specific to helicopters (rotary-wing systems), unmanned systems and satellites such as payload systems. Redundancy and fault tolerance will also be addressed in the course. Regulations related to avionics and aircraft systems will also be presented. The main focus of the course will be on systems related to traditional fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters).

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the student shall:

• Have in-depth knowledge of avionics and aircraft systems, including their function, architecture and integration in aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems and satellites.
• Understand the principles behind key avionics systems and aircraft systems and how they interact with each other.
• Be familiar with redundancy, fault tolerance, and safety aspects related to avionics and aircraft systems.
• Have an overview of central regulations related to avionics and aircraft systems.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Analyse and explain how various avionics and aircraft systems are integrated and interact within aircraft and aerospace vehicles.
• Assess and identify critical components and fault tolerance in avionics and aircraft systems.
• Apply knowledge to describe and compare systems for aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems, and spacecraft.
• Interpret and apply relevant regulations in practical problem-solving.
• Perform basic failure analysis on relevant systems and be able to assess possible safety measures.

General competence

Upon completion of the course, the student shall:

• Have the ability to communicate technical issues related to avionics and aircraft systems to both professionals and non-professionals.
• Be able to collaborate in teams to solve challenges related avionics and aircraft systems.
• Have an understanding of ethical and safety-related aspects of configurations and operation of avionics and aircraft systems.
• Be able to acquire new knowledge and stay up to date on technological and regulatory changes related to avionics and aircraft systems within aviation and aerospace.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises and project work. The lectures may be a combination of physical and digital lectures. Descriptions and assessment criteria for all exercises and project work will be posted on the learning platform used in the course.

Mandatory activities:

• Approved exercises
• Approved project report on avionic systems
• Approved project report on aircraft systems

Compulsory assignments

• Approved submitted works

Recommended previous knowledge

Fundamental knowledge of electronic and mechanical systems and fundamental knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft.

Course materials

Course materials will be announced at the start of the semester.