5 ECTS credits
125 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4016328FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
This course gives a descriptive introduction to the main electrical/electronic systems used in aircraft today. It deals only with civil aircraft; special military systems with no civil equivalent usage are not part of this course. Specific systems for helicopters, special purpose aircraft, etc are also outside the scope of this course. GPS is only explained very briefly, as it is at this time not officially allowed as primary navigation system. Also excluded are systems for passenger entertainment and comfort.
The course is structured as follows:
1. Introduction: overview of avionics systems in aircraft; cockpit layout, instruments and control groups; environmental requirements for avionics.
2. Radio-based avionics systems:
2.1 General: radio spectrum for aircraft usage; most important aspects of radio wave propagation(including Doppler effect); basic knowledge of antennas.
2.2 Radio communication systems: VHF voice communication; HF voice communication; ACARS data communication; SELCAL; ELT systems.
2.3 Navigation radio systems (operation principles)
2.3.1 Short range radio navigation systems, bearing: GONIO, ADF; (D)VOR; Area navigation
2.3.2 Short range radio navigation systems, distance: DME, TACAN
2.3.3 Global navigation systems: satellite based navigation systems (GPS)(only general principles)
2.3.4 Approach systems (instrument landing): ILS localizer (LLZ); Marker beacons (Inner/Middle/Outer); ILS Glide Slope; MLS (Microwave Landing System)
3. Radar
3.1 Position and tracking radar (ground based)
3.1.1 En-route: primary radar; secondary search radar (SSR), (aircraft) transponder (mode A,C,S)
3.1.2 Approach and ground radars
3.1.3 TCAS systems
3.2 Weather radar (aircraft)
4. Autonomous navigation aids: flux gate; Inertial Navigation Systems (+optical gyro); Doppler sensor; radio altimeter
5. Cockpit display systems: conventional, individual display instruments for ADF, VOR, etc; integrated display systems (glass cockpit); head-up displays
6. Automatic pilot systems, Flight Management Computers, “Fly-by-wire” systems
7. Emergency and accident investigation: ELT, Voice and data recorders
8. ARINC en other data busses
Practicum:
seminars and company visits to give the students insight in the (mainly cockpit) equipment and the way pilots fly aircraft, amongst them:
- the concept and importance of density altitude
- traditional mechanical flight instruments (magnetic compass, pressure and gyro instruments)
- aircraft navigation, basic principles
- VFR- en IFR flight procedures
- rules of the air, legal requirements for aircraft construction and maintenance
- visit to an aircraft simulator and/or aircraft cockpit
The course is in English. The exam is oral with written preparation, and can be in English or the language used in the institution the student is enlisted in. The preparation is “open book”, any material on paper can be used during the preparation time. At the oral exam, the insight of the student in the material is checked.
The course is intended as an introduction course for non-experts. The goal of the course is to provide the student with an overview of the major avionics systems in aircraft, and to make sure they understand the basic operation principles and their usage.
Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering.
Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy.
Having in-depth knowledge and understanding of the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes.
Having a broad scientific knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to design, produce and maintain complex mechanical, electrical and/or energy systems with a focus on products, systems and services. E.g. codepo project, courses around renewable, sustainable mobility,...
Having an in-depth understanding of safety standards and rules with respect to mechanical, electrical and energy systems.
Can present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The course is in English. The exam is oral with written preparation, and can be in English or the language used in the institution the student is enlisted in. The preparation is “open book”, any material on paper can be used during the preparation time. At the oral exam, the insight of the student in the material is checked.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Aeronautics and Aerospace (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Aeronautics
Master of Electromechanical Engineering Technology: luchtvaarttechnologie (only offered in Dutch)