Module Information

Introduction to Aircraft Systems

ACD2501

Module Title
Module Code
1.

MODULE SUMMARY

Aims and Summary

The aim of this module is to prepare the students to critically evaluate the challenges and identify the role
of different components and subassemblies in a modern aircraft. Students are taught basic aircraft systems,
underlying principles of construction and working, their limitations and applicability to a class of aircraft.
They will be trained to understand, differentiate and prioritize between conflicting requirements, while
choosing different configurations, in order to meet the design goals.
Module Size and Credits
Module size

Single

CATS points

10

ECTS credits

N/A

Open / restricted

Restricted

Availability on/off campus

On Campus/Off campus

Total student study hours

100

Number of weeks

5 weeks Full-time or 8 weeks Part-time.

Department responsible

Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering

Academic Year

2012

Entry Requirements (pre-requisites and co-requisites)

Normally to be qualified for entry to the Postgraduate Engineering Programme
Excluded Combinations
None
Composition of Module Mark (including weighting of components)
Full-time / Part-time : 50% Examination and 50 % Assignment
Pass Requirements

A minimum of 40 % marks in the examination and a minimum of 40% marks in the

assignment and overall 40% marks are required for a pass
Special Features
80% attendance in theory and 80% attendance in laboratory are required.
It is likely that considerable time will be spent in School facilities outside of normal timetabled class time.
Courses for which this module is mandatory
M.Sc. [Engg.] in Aircraft Design
Courses for which this module is a core option
M.Sc. [Engg] in Technology and Engineering Management

Ver: 4

November 2011

MI ACD2501

Page 1 of 4

2.

TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

Intended Module Learning Outcomes

After undergoing this module, students should be able to:
1. Evaluate various aircraft configurations and layouts
2. Identify and explain the roles of : Wing, Fuselage, Empennage, Power plant and Control surfaces
3. Critically differentiate between different classes of Aircraft: Passenger , Cargo, Combat
4. Critically evaluate for selection: Instrumentation, Navigation and Guidance requirements of
different classes of aircraft.

Indicative Content
Lectures
1. Aircraft types and requirements
2. Aircraft subsystems and configurations : Fuselage (types and build), Wing (types and location),
Empennage (Horizontal and vertical tail, types and sizing)
3. Aircraft Aerodynamics : Lift (wing and tail plane), weight, Thrust, Drag (types and drag polar),
Equilibrium , Stability and Trim
4. Aircraft Propulsion Systems : Intake, Engine (Piston , Turboprop, Turbojet, Turbofan E)ngines
and layout), Nozzle (Axisymmetric, 2D, ConDi, gimballed)
5. Aircraft Performance: Requirements (Range, Endurance, Rate of climb, maximum Mach number
etc) for (Civil passenger, cargo, Military- fighter, bomber)
6. Instrumentation : Basic flight (Mach No, Altitude, orientation), Navigation, and Flight controls
7. Regulations and certification: FAR, JAR for operational clearance.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Theoretical Knowledge
a. Face to face lectures from a module leader - 30 hours
30 hours
Laboratory Practice (Skills)
30 hours
Application Orientation and Problem Solving
a. Reading
b. Research
c. Written Examination
d. Assignment Solving and Documentation
40 hours

Ver: 4

November 2011

MI ACD2501

Page 2 of 4

Method of Assessment
Part-A
Examination [50%]
1.

Viva/Presentation on a specified topic............................................... (10%)

2.

Student performance on classroom tests............................................. (10%)

3.

Written examination.............................................................................. (30%)

Part-B
Assignment [50%]
Students are required to submit a word processed assignment report.
Assessment
Learning Outcomes

Part A

Part B

Both examination scripts and assignment reports will be double marked.

Re-assessment
A minimum of 40 % marks in the examination and a minimum of 40% marks in the assignment are
required for a pass in the module.
A student failing in any one of the components or both is considered as FAIL in the module. A failed
student is required to retake the module at the next opportunity. A maximum of 3 attempts including the
original are allowed.
Date of Last Amendment
November 2011
3.

MODULE RESOURCES

Essential Reading
Module Notes
Recommended Reading
Books
1.
2.
3.
4.

Michael W. Jenkins. (2011) The Standard Handbook For Aeronautical And Astronautical Engineers.
Ilan Kroo. (2011) Aircraft Design: Synthesis and Analysis.
A.C. Kermode. (2006) Mechanics of Flight, 11th Edition, Person.
AIAA. (2003), AIAA Aerospace Design Engineers Guide, 5th Edition.

Journals
Journal of Aircraft
AIAA Journal
Web- Sites
http://www.dept.aoe.vt.edu/~mason/Mason_f/SD1.html (accessed on 17th January 2012)
http://www.dept.aoe.vt.edu/~mason/Mason_f/MRsoft.html (accessed on 17th January 2012)

Ver: 4

November 2011

MI ACD2501

Page 3 of 4

4.

MODULE ORGANISATION

Module Leader
Name

Dr. H.K Narahari

Room

B 403

Telephone number

080-4906 5555 (Ext.2314)

E-mail

narahari@msrsas.org

Date and Time of Examination

As per the time table
Subject Quality and Approval Information
Subject Quality Group / Subject Board

Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering, MSRSAS

Subject Assessment Board

Postgraduate Engineering And Management Programmes

Shortened title

IAS

Date of approval by MARP

November 2011

Ver: 4

November 2011

MI ACD2501

Page 4 of 4