Using Prototypes and Flight Validation in Teaching Aerospace Systems Design

This paper details the approach taken in a course entitled “Aerospace Systems Design” presented at the University of Notre Dame. It describes the course which is intended to introduce undergraduate students to the aircraft design process and to present them with a realistic design challenge. This course not only includes the introduction to techniques associated with conceptual design but requires the validation of the concept through fabrication and flight testing of a technology demonstrator. The design course has focused on a special class of aircraft, unmanned flight vehicles or RPV's (Remotely Piloted Vehicles). An overview of the organization of the course and the methods used to develop the designs are presented. Examples of design studies, prototype aircraft and flight test results are also included.