This course introduces the physics, architecture, and physical design of major aircraft and aerospace subsystems. The course emphasizes how aerospace systems support vehicle operation, safety, performance, reliability, and mission effectiveness.
Students examine the principles and design considerations behind flight control systems, landing gear, engine and fuel control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electrical systems, environmental control systems, emergency systems, avionics, and rotary wing systems. The course also introduces aerospace systems design and development methodology, along with foundational embedded software development concepts.
Course Topics
Students develop familiarity with the major systems that enable aerospace vehicle operation, including:
- Fundamentals of flight control systems
- Landing gear systems
- Engine control systems
- Fuel systems
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Emergency systems
- Electrical systems
- Environmental control systems
- Rotary wing systems
- Advanced aerospace systems
- Environmental conditions affecting aerospace systems
- Avionics technology
- Aerospace systems design and development methodology
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students are able to:
- Describe and explain the operation and underlying physics of major aerospace systems, including flight control, engine control, fuel, hydraulic, landing gear, electrical, environmental control, emergency, and rotary wing systems.
- Describe aerospace systems design and development methodology.
- Describe and explain the operation of avionics technology.
- Explain how environmental conditions affect aerospace systems.
Systems Emphasis
The course emphasizes aerospace systems as integrated engineering architectures rather than isolated components. Students learn how subsystem design choices influence aircraft functionality, safety, maintainability, environmental robustness, and overall system performance.