Course summary

What stops an aircraft from falling out of the sky? The fundamental reason is due to the aerodynamic lift acting on the wings but, for modern aircraft, sophisticated electronics is another essential ingredient. Electronic systems associated with flight are known by the term ‘avionics’. Avionics covers the internal sensors and control systems within aircraft; from airborne communication and navigation systems to ‘stealth’ aircraft design and flight control systems. The avionics in most aircraft will be upgraded several times during the life of the airframe. This makes avionics one of the most important sectors in the aerospace industry and it is a major employer in the UK. This degree programme aims to prepare you to work in a variety of related disciplines: radar systems, GPS/inertial navigation systems, guidance and control, and avionics systems design. This programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. We have strong links with industry and a number of undergraduate projects have been generated from industrial projects undertaken by members of the Department. Examples include the development of infrared tracking algorithms for missile warning systems, antenna design for airborne communications and flight control systems for terrain avoidance in low-level flight.