Program Overview
This MSc program from Cranfield University equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, design, and develop air warfare platforms, focusing on conceptual design, trade studies, and stealth technology. Through intensive learning and practical exercises, participants gain expertise in fast jet dynamics, low observability airframe design, and future trends in aerial warfare. Graduates are prepared for careers in aircraft design, defense procurement, and research and development in aerial warfare technologies.
Program Outline
Aerial Warfare Engineering - Cranfield University
Degree Overview
This MSc program provides students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, design, and develop air warfare platforms by focusing on conceptual design, trade studies, generating requirements, and making acquisition decisions. It delves into the performance, dynamics, and limitations of fast jets while emphasizing stealth technology and its impact on design.
Outline
The program consists of five days of intensive learning, covering the following key areas:
- Aerial Warfare Introduction: An analysis of combat engagements, focusing on the evolution of engineering solutions and warfare doctrines.
- Flight Dynamic Aspects of Fast Jets: Analysis of performance, maneuvering, agility, endurance, speed, and flight characteristics.
- Fast Jet Aerodynamics: Exploration of aerodynamic solutions in current and future fast jets, covering high angle of attack, supersonic, and transonic aerodynamics, air intake, control surfaces, and exhaust design.
- Integration of Low Observability Requirements in Airframe Design: Understanding the trade-off between aerodynamics and stealth, weapon-bay aerodynamics, and stealth-optimized geometries.
- Jet Fighter Mission Engineering Analysis: The engineering behind aerial warfare, including mission profiles, gun line-of-sight (LOS) engagements, missile LOS, and beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements.
- Future Trends: Exploring the next generation of stealth design, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), optionally-manned configurations, next-generation aerodynamic solutions, multi-point design optimization, and hypersonic platforms.
- Case Study Workshop: A group learning exercise where participants apply their knowledge to a specific problem and present their solutions.
Assessment
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes and exercises to assess understanding and progress throughout the course.
- Summative Assessments: A final exam and a group project, which typically involve analyzing a case study and presenting a solution.
Teaching
The course is taught by experienced professionals with expertise in aerial warfare, fast jet dynamics, and low observability airframe design. Teaching methods include lectures, group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises.
Careers
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in various areas of the aerospace and defense industry, including:
- Aircraft design and development
- Airworthiness and safety certification
- Operational analysis and simulation
- Defense procurement and acquisition
- Research and development in aerial warfare technologies
Other
- The program is open to individuals with a basic knowledge of subsonic, transonic, and supersonic aerodynamics, flight mechanics and dynamics, and radar cross-section theory.
- The cost of the program is £1,925.
- Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
