Undergraduate - UnitMAE4407 - Instrumentation and avionics

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces avionics instruments used in vehicles ranging from light aircraft, air transport, manned and unmanned space vehicles. Their application, principles of operation, accuracy, advantages, limitations, ground systems and the flight vehicle requirements of avionics equipment. Navigation systems with an emphasis on typical forms of measurements involved, their use to pilots and industry are covered. Steering systems, self contained and radio direction finding systems and components, system interfacing, instrumentation and control are examined. Issues of interference, compatibility, redundancy and operational safety and a brief look at active navigation aids complete the unit.

Outcomes

1. Understanding the role of avionics instruments in aerospace vehicles
2. Understanding issues important for avionics measurement
3. Understanding avionics navigation and steering systems
4. Appreciation of system interfacing and integration involved in avionics
5. Implementation of real time computing and sensor integration with discrete data
6. Working with GPS, INS, DOPPLER and AIR DATA sensor components
7. Complete tasks as part of a team
8. Improve oral and written communication skills
9. Practicing with some components of Avionic systems and instruments/aids/simulation software

10. Confidence in making a link between their previous knowledge on flight dynamics, flight control and digital signal processing with sensors, actuators, instruments, navigation systems etc needed for fly by wire flight control
11. Confidence in identifying the flight management systems and instruments

Assessment

Laboratory exercise: 10%
Assignments: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Chris Davies

Contact hours

3 hours lectures, 2 hours practice sessions or laboratories per week and 7 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

Completion of 132 points of engineering units including MAE3408