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Introduction to Fixed-Wing Drone Design

Doug Hunsaker and Sam Weiss

Now is the best time in history to be involved in aircraft design.

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Now is the best time in history to be involved in aircraft design.

Drones are used for agriculture, search and rescue, package delivery, and will be used for many missions not even thought up yet. Because drones have to be specially designed for each mission, this means that now is the best time in history to be involved in aircraft design. Today we have the best tools and methods and can design aircraft like never before. Come explore the world of aircraft design and get involved in this exciting industry.

You will learn:

  • The basics of aircraft design with an emphasis on the drone industry needs and missions

  • Sizing for mission requirements

  • Propulsion system selection

  • Design tradeoffs

  • 3D modeling

  • Airfoil analysis

  • Pointers on detailed aerodynamic design

By taking this course, you'll see the world of aircraft design differently and have a deeper understanding of the exciting challenges that await in this burgeoning world of drone design.

This course includes:

  • 45 Lessons

  • Over 2 hours of instruction

  • Exercises to get your mind turning

Your instructors, Doug and Sam, love talking about airplanes. They have both been heavily involved in this industry for years.

The industry needs new minds and fresh ideas. Companies are born every day that need the skills this course offers. Don’t wait – be a part of this exiting wave of next-generation aircraft.

Let's get started.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to design fixed-wing drones to mission requirements
  • How to perform basic sizing of the airframe
  • How to select an appropriate propulsion system
  • How to do basic airfoil analysis
  • How to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of your airframe
  • An understanding of tradeoffs for mission requirements

Syllabus

Understand the who, what and why of the course
Introduction
Comments about Aircraft Configurations
Be ready to start initial aircraft design
Read more
Make a copy of the General Sizing spreadsheet
Overview of General Sizing Spreadsheet
Getting access to MachUp
Introduction to MachUp and Instructional Videos
Getting Started Quiz
Perform initial aircraft design for a specific mission
Overview of Mission Requirements
Payload and Structure Weight
Sizing the Main Wing
Propulsion
Packing Constraints and Other Considerations
Sizing Stabilizing Surfaces
Battery Selection
Example Drone Missions
Important Trends
Wing Loading
Aspect Ratio
Weight
Battery Capacity
Propulsive Efficiency
Stall Estimation
Learn to model aircraft in 3D design software
Lifting Surface Geometry
Control Surfaces
Fuselage Modeling
Battery volume
Payload volume
Exporting STL
Other Objects and STL Files
3D Modeling Assignment
Understand the basics of airfoil analysis and how to use this in MachUp
Introduction to Airfoils in MachUp
Basics of Using Xfoil for Airfoil Analysis
Formatting Airfoil Data for MachUp
Airfoil Analysis Assignment
Understand the basics of detailed aircraft design.
Forces and Moments
Trim
Aerodynamic Angles
Stability
Non-Dimensional Expressions
The Aerodynamic Center and Pitch Stability
The Aerodynamic Center - A Deeper Dive
Forces and Moments in MachUp
Intro to Detailed Wing Design
Using Taper and Twist
Effects of Sweep and Dihedral
Wing Design - A Deeper Dive
Main Wing Mounting Angle
Prop and Motor Selection
Ending Section
Congratulations!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches learners how to design fixed-wing drones meeting specific mission requirements
Helps learners perform basic sizing of an airframe for drone design
Explains how to select an appropriate propulsion system for drone design
Demonstrates how to apply basic airfoil analysis to aircraft design
Provides insights on how to improve aerodynamic efficiency of an airframe in drone design
Examines tradeoffs in drone design for various mission requirements

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Introduction to Fixed-Wing Drone Design. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Fixed-Wing Drone Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, test, and oversee the production of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also work on the design and development of systems for aircraft and spacecraft, such as propulsion systems and control systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as an Aerospace Engineer. The course covers topics such as aircraft design, propulsion system selection, and airfoil analysis. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop aircraft and spacecraft.
Avionics Technician
Avionics Technicians install, maintain, and repair electronic systems on aircraft and spacecraft. They also work on the design and development of new avionics systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as an Avionics Technician. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the basics of detailed aircraft design. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain, and repair avionics systems on aircraft and spacecraft.
Drone Operator
Drone Operators fly and operate drones for a variety of purposes, such as photography, surveying, and search and rescue. They also work on the design and development of new drones. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Drone Operator. The course covers topics such as aircraft design, propulsion system selection, and airfoil analysis. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to fly and operate drones.
Product Designer
Product Designers design and develop new products for a variety of industries, including the aerospace industry. They also work on the design and development of new manufacturing processes for products. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Product Designer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop new products for the aerospace industry.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems, such as engines, turbines, and robots. They also work on the design and development of new manufacturing processes for mechanical systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Mechanical Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the basics of detailed aircraft design. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop mechanical systems.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and oversee the production of manufactured products. They also work on the design and development of new manufacturing processes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Manufacturing Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, the basics of detailed aircraft design, and the design of manufacturing processes. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop manufactured products.
Quality Engineer
Quality Engineers ensure that products and processes meet quality standards. They also work on the design and development of new quality control processes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Quality Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to ensure that products and processes meet quality standards.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers develop and test new materials for use in a variety of products, including aircraft and spacecraft. They also work on the design and development of new manufacturing processes for materials. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Materials Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to develop and test new materials for use in aircraft and spacecraft.
Research Engineer
Research Engineers conduct research on new technologies and processes. They also work on the design and development of new products and processes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Research Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to conduct research on new technologies and processes.
Project Engineer
Project Engineers manage the design and development of new products and processes. They also work on the design and development of new manufacturing processes for products and processes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Project Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage the design and development of new products and processes.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They also work on the design and development of new web development processes. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Web Developer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop websites.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and test systems, such as computer systems and telecommunications systems. They also work on the design and development of new systems engineering processes. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Systems Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop systems.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They also work on the design and development of new software development processes. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Software Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop software applications.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell products and services to customers. They also work on the design and development of new sales strategies. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Sales Engineer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to sell products and services to customers.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as manuals, reports, and presentations. They also work on the design and development of new technical writing processes. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a Technical Writer. The course covers topics such as 3D modeling, airfoil analysis, and the design of manufacturing processes. This may help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and edit technical documentation.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Fixed-Wing Drone Design.
Is an excellent reference for advanced topics in aerodynamics, including computational fluid dynamics and airfoil design. It is particularly useful for those interested in detailed aerodynamic design and performance analysis.
Provides a broad overview of aircraft performance and design, with a particular focus on the analysis of aircraft stability and control. It commonly-used textbook and a valuable reference for understanding the performance characteristics of fixed-wing aircraft.
Comprehensive reference for aircraft of all types, including fixed-wing aircraft. It provides detailed information on the specifications, performance, and history of aircraft from around the world.
Useful reference for conceptual aircraft design. It provides a good foundation for topics like mission analysis, sizing, performance analysis, and stability and control.
Provides a good overview of modeling and simulation techniques for aerospace vehicles, including fixed-wing aircraft. It is particularly useful for those interested in developing their own simulation models or understanding the dynamics of aircraft.
Provides a good introduction to the basics of flight, including aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight mechanics. It commonly-used textbook for introductory courses in aerospace engineering.
Useful reference for the fundamentals of aerodynamics, with a strong focus on mathematical modeling and engineering analysis. It is particularly helpful for understanding the underlying physical principles of aircraft design.

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