Aeronautical systems refer broadly to the systems within an air vehicle which are responsible for efficient and reliable operation. These include electrical, navigation, propulsion and hydraulic systems as well as flight controls.
The entire aircraft is controlled by systems, and challenges facing the industry include ensuring they not only meet airworthiness requirements but also the environmental and economical aspirations for more green and efficient aircraft.
We have extensive modelling and simulation capabilities, using both industry-standard and in-house software, as well as world-class research facilities (including a hardware-in-the-loop test rig and a Boeing 747 flight simulator) that enable us to provide clients with a number of services to assist in the optimisation or design of aeronautical systems.
Typical areas where we are able to apply our expertise include:
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Flight Control Systems – flight control system and algorithm development, handling qualities, hardware development, prototyping design, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and flight testing.
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Avionics and Aerospace Systems Simulation – cockpit design, synthetic environments, advanced surface movement, guidance and control (A-SMGCS) and human-machine interface evaluation.
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Air Traffic Management – algorithm development for trajectory optimisation, 4D trajectory modelling and advanced display concepts.
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Reconfigurable Systems – development of fault detection and isolation, fault diagnosis & prognosis algorithms, fault tolerant control, systems health management and open system architecture.
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Communications and Aeronautical Networks – aeronautical data links, network and channel modelling, and optical communications.
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Information and Data Systems – data acquisition, instrumentation and data analysis, and signal processing.
Our research partners include projects for the European Union, Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and DSTL.
Business clients we have worked with include Airbus, Boeing, Cassidian, Cosworth, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Selex ES and Thales.
We are able to provide clients with a number of services to assist in the optimisation or design of aeronautical systems. We have extensive modelling and simulation capabilities, both using industry-standard and in-house software.
We are able to develop flight control systems hardware prototypes, carry-out hardware-in-the-loop testing, and develop advanced HMI concepts and displays. Our extensive expertise in algorithm development can be applied to a wide range of systems including navigation and flight controls.
We apply our expertise to both long-term conceptual projects and short-term projects with business critical deadlines. We can analyse, recommend or optimise solutions to meet client needs.
