Essentials of eVTOL Technology: Principles and Innovations

Course structure

This immersive five-day course combines lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and industry case studies. Participants will gain firsthand experience with Cranfield's state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels, Royce Rolls Future Flight simulators, and specialized eVTOL design concepts like V-23 SkySpark, fostering a comprehensive understanding through interactive learning approaches. 

What you will learn

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of eVTOL aircraft design principles, enabling innovative solutions that meet both performance and regulatory requirements. 
• Apply cutting-edge aerodynamic theories and practices to minimize drag and improve lift, essential for efficient eVTOL operation. 
• Gain specialized knowledge in electric and hybrid propulsion technologies, crucial for designing sustainable and efficient eVTOLs. 
• Familiarise the latest advancements in battery technology and energy management systems, enhancing the range and endurance of eVTOL operations. 
• Implement aeroacoustic principles to design quieter eVTOL aircraft, addressing one of the key challenges in urban air mobility integration. 
• Leverage wind tunnel experiments to refine aerodynamic models and validate design concepts, ensuring optimal performance. 
• Understand a good level of complexities of eVTOL flight control systems, improving aircraft stability, manoeuvrability, and safety. 
• Learn to design and execute effective flight-testing campaigns to rigorously assess and validate eVTOL designs under real-world conditions. 
• Acquire understanding of handling qualities theory and practice for rotorcraft and their application to eVTOls, enabling the design of aircraft that are both safe to operate and provide a comfortable experience for passengers. 

Core content

Key considerations for the structural and aerodynamic design of eVTOLs to meet performance and sustainability goals. 

The science behind eVTOL aerodynamics, emphasising lift, drag, and stability to enhance flight efficiency. 

Exploration of the propulsion mechanisms that power eVTOLs, including electric motors and hybrid systems. 

Critical review of the energy storage and management solutions that enable eVTOL flight, focusing on battery technology advancements. 

Strategies for mitigating noise from eVTOL operations, a crucial factor for urban integration and community acceptance. 

Hands-on experiences in using wind tunnels for aerodynamic testing and validation of eVTOL designs. 

Insights into the control systems that manage eVTOL flight dynamics for safe, stable and responsive operations. 

Guidance on navigating the certification landscape for eVTOL aircraft to ensure compliance with the developing global aviation standards. 

Use of Cranfield developed V-23 SkySpark for predictive modelling and design optimization of eVTOL vehicles. 

Methodologies for conducting eVTOL flight tests to evaluate performance, safety, and handling characteristics. 

Dedicated focus on how handling qualities for rotorcraft read-across to eVTOL aircraft, including responsiveness, stability, and control feel during various phases of flight. Understanding these qualities is essential for designing eVTOLs that are both safe to operate and comfortable for passengers. 

Emphasises innovative approaches to using simulation technologies to support the means of compliance for certification requirements, offering a faster, more efficient path to validating the safety and reliability of eVTOL designs. 

Who should attend

Ideal for aerospace professionals involved in eVTOL's lifecycle, from design and development to regulatory compliance. Suited for those in engineering, R&D, and urban air mobility, with a passion for pioneering sustainable aviation. No specific prerequisites mentioned but a background in aerospace or related fields is advantageous. 

Speakers

Cranfield University: 

Dr Linghai Lu – Module leader: Senior Lecturer in Flight Dynamics, Simulation & Control 

Dr Anderson Proenca – Lecturer in Aerodynamics – Wind tunnel and Acoustics  

Dr Davide Di Pasquale – Lecturer in Aerodynamics - CFD 

Professor Daniel Auger – Professor of Electrification, Modelling and Control 

Dr Guy Gratton – Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment 

Dr Ioannis Goulos – Senior Lecturer in Propulsion Aerodynamics and Performance Engineering 

Dr Jack Stockford – Lecturer in Aircraft Design 

Professor James Whidborne – Professor of Control Engineering 

Dr Wen-Chin Li - Reader in Safety and Human Factors in Aviation

Invited Guest Speakers: 

Professor Gareth Padfield   Professor of Aerospace Engineering, The University of Liverpool  

Concessions

20% discount for Cranfield Alumni. 
10% discount when registering 3 or more delegates, from the same organisation at the same time. 

Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. Please ask about our discount scheme at the time of booking 

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on-campus accommodation can be found here. Alternatively, you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.  

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL