Module manager: Dr Greg de Boer
Email: G.N.deBoer@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the design, manufacture, and testing of modern aerospace vehicles in which the understanding of aerospace themes and engineering practice are brought together. You will learn vehicle sizing methods and apply them to conceptual and preliminary design stages before manufacturing and testing these prototypes as part of the module assessment. The module is also aimed at developing your understanding of the modern aerospace industry including the importance of communication and teamwork, as well as themes such as unmanned flight and alternative fuels. A design challenge will be set for students to work in teams towards developing their own wing design, this will build on sizing method used in industrial practice to develop concepts into products. Specific mission requirements and constraints will be provided under which the design challenge fits. Students will then work on furthering the aerodynamic, structural, stability, propulsion, and manufacturing requirements as part of the module assessment. This will be supported by both formal lecture sessions, practical sessions, empirical data, and formative feedback throughout the year. The end goal for the module is to manufacture the proposed wing designs using appropriate methods, conduct scrutineering, and carry out flight testing as a fieldwork activity. Students will be taught on the airworthiness and regulations which cover aircraft design and operation as well as gain experience in flight simulation and radio-controlled testing
Understand the application of design to the modern aerospace industry. Design the different aspects of an aerospace vehicle, initial conceptual, performance prediction, vehicle sizing leading onto detail design of the different aerospace vehicle systems.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Work as part of a team in the design of an aerospace vehicle
2. Understand the application of design to the modern aerospace industry
3. Determine the general configuration of an aerospace vehicle
4. Determine the configuration of the fuselage, wing, powerplant, control mechanism and landing/take-off process/mechanism (undercarriage).
5. Estimate aerodynamic and operational characteristics of the aerospace vehicle.
6. Evaluate and present the preliminary design of the aerospace vehicle
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study. [C1]
- Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles. [C2]
- Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems. [C4]
- Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. [C5]
- Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems. [C6] · Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems. [C12]
- Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations. [C13]
- Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights. [C15]
Skills learning outcomes:
On completion of this module students will have acquired the following skills:
a. written communication
b. problem solving
c. interpersonal communication
d. personal initiative
e. oral presentation
f. adaptability to changing requirements
g. teamwork
h. numeracy
i. planning and organising
j. computer skills
k. research
l. time management
m. critical analysis and argument.
1. General aspects of aerospace configuration development, specifications, design process, civil airworthiness requirements
2. Aerospace vehicle arrangement, sizing, component locations, unconventional configurations.
3. Fuselage design for airline, general aviation, cargo.
4. Flight deck design, visibility.
5. Design and performance, weight prediction, drag estimation, performance requirements, synthesis and optimisation.
6. Powerplant selection and installation.
7. Wing design, wing area and loading, low and high subsonic & supersonic wings, high lift devices, wing structures.
8. Aerospace vehicle weight and balance, prediction, centre of gravity location.
9. Preliminary tailplane design, longitudinal and lateral stability requirements.
10. Undercarriage layout.
11. Aerodynamic and operational characteristics, flight envelope.
12. Preliminary design presentation and reporting.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Practical | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Private study hours | 143 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 57 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
There is an opportunity for formative feedback during a Design presentation conference.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team