Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to provide familiarity and understanding with practical aircraft design processes expected in industry, including the evaluation and case studies of existing aircraft designs. Students will gain a better understanding of relevant issues particularly related to the design of aircraft with a level of confidence to lead them to develop new designs or modifications, having a good balance between theory and real-world applications. Good familiarity with unique and stringent international aviation regulations and certification processes will be expected with respect to the design of aircraft. Topics covered by the lectures will include aircraft specifications; aircraft selection and evaluation; aircraft configuration design; design considerations for aerodynamics, structures, systems, manufacture, testing, certification, life-cycle-cost, operations; the use of computational aircraft design tools, and introduction to multidisciplinary design optimisation methods. Projects will be based on case study analyses and evaluation of aircraft types to operational specifications and requirements.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[(AERO3260 or AERO8260 or AERO9260) and (AERO3460 or AERO8460 or AERO9460) and (AERO3560 or AERO8560 or AERO9560)] or equivalent study at another institution
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Undergraduate level 1, 2 and 3 or Foundation Masters units in Aerospace Design are expected to have been completed before undertaking this unit
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	KC Wong, kc.wong@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Final Design Viva Voce Defend design decisions and contributions.	15%	Formal exam period	15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Presentations and Feedback Regular Presentations and discussions on progress in design task. Week 6 to Week 11.	16%	Multiple weeks	Each presentation 15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Basic Aircraft Flight Performance & Stability Demonstrate understanding of the significance of wing-loading on flight performance, and the requirements of correct CG location for static stability of fixed-wing aircraft in flight.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Aug 2025	Approximately 6 hours total.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Introductory Aircraft Construction To build and test a flightworthy model aircraft from drawings and guidance notes provided.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 03 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 Sep 2025	About 6 hours for each student.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Project viva voce - PDR Presentation of individual design progress.	5%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2025 at 14:00 Closing date: 24 Sep 2025	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Preliminary Design Review Report on PDR of sub-system design. Sparkplus will be used for peer-evaluation for contributions to this task.	8%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Sep 2025	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Design demonstration Demonstration of aircraft design prototype	8%	Week 12 Due date: 29 Oct 2025 at 14:00 Closing date: 29 Oct 2025	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Final Design presentation In class Presentation of Design	8%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2024 at 14:00 Closing date: 02 Oct 2024	20 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Project Report Aircraft Design project report. Sparkplus will be used for peer evaluation of contributions to this task.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

More detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. The whole semester project is team-based. Individual assessment tasks will also have a significant impact on the progress of the team.

All assessment tasks involve:

close interaction with the design team to ensure overall aims of tasks are achieved on schedule;
significant and tangible design work progress to meet milestones set by teh collective team;
regular individual presentations of design work;
written reports need to be of high standard typically expected of professional design engineers; and
be prepared to present the work to industry representatives.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Standard Late Penalties will apply, but any late completion and/or submission of work need to be negotiated with other team members to minimise impact on overall progress of design project.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	No Description	Independent study (85 hr)
Week 01	Introduction & Overview of unit expectations, and Design Task for the semester.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Explorer Space Induction, Intro to Machines, and Start Assignment Task 1	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Overview of aircraft design, types and technologies.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Work on Assignment Task 1 while continuing to get familiar with manufacturing tools.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Flight Testing for Assignment 1	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Work on Assignment Task 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Aircraft Systems. Lessons from past designs.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Work on Assignment Task 2	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Challenges for future aircraft design - unique designs.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Flight Testing of Exemplar UAV	Field trip (3 hr)
Week 06	Presentations & Feedback. Discuss Configuration and Preliminary Sizing	Studio (2 hr)
Week 06	Presentations & Feedback. Decide on Configuration and Sizing & Allocation of Airframe Sub-system Design. Fabricate prototype parts	Studio (3 hr)
Week 07	Presentations & Feedback. Individual reports on airframe sub-system Design Progress	Studio (2 hr)
Week 07	Presentations & Feedback. Demonstrate preliminary performance compliance with mission requirements. Fabricate prototype parts	Studio (3 hr)
Week 08	Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of aircraft designs, and show design of concept-demonstrator prototype. Specify List of components and material for the proof-of-concept prototype.	Presentation (2 hr)
Week 08	PDR Viva Voce (individual)	One-to-one tuition (3 hr)
Week 09	Presentations & Feedback. Demonstrate airframe sub-system compliance with requirements.	Studio (2 hr)
Week 09	Proof-of-Concept Prototype construction	Project (3 hr)
Week 10	Presentation & Feedback. Demonstrate confidence with design analyses.	Studio (2 hr)
Week 10	Proof-of-Concept Prototype Construction	Project (3 hr)
Week 11	Presentation & Feedback. Demonstrate confidence with proof-of-concept prototype construction progress.	Studio (2 hr)
Week 11	Proof-of-Concept Prototype Construction	Project (3 hr)
Week 12	Finalise Proof-of-Concept Prototype Construction. Verify airworthiness.	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Final Design Proof-of-Concept Flight Testing	Field trip (3 hr)
Week 13	Debrief and discussions on proof-of concept prototype flight testing	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Final Design Presentation to client(s) and guests.	Presentation (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Synchronous class attendance is essential – ongoing progressive assessment in class.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. interact with colleagues in managing workflow when creating design database
LO2. appreciate professional, ethical, and regulatory responsibilities consistent with industry practice
LO3. create a design database from commonly available resources
LO4. utilise diverse media to communicate design decisions
LO5. undertake investigations and formulation of problems, and potential airframe solutions in meeting complex and challenging requirements
LO6. design aircraft to meet given requirements
LO7. conduct analyses on the impact of design variations to flight performance of aircraft.
LO8. Use appropriate tools for design geometry, analyses, evaluation, and verification.
LO9. Use appropriate manufacturing tools to fabricate flightworthy structures for flightworthy prototypes.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Some significant changes after feedback from previous years, to offer more practical skill development of aircraft manufacturing and flight testing exercises. Hands-on experiential learning activities include the prototyping and testing of the designed product.

Additional information

Hardware prototypes would be expected to be developed and demonstrated.

Additional costs

Travel to the field work site if required and possible.

Site visit guidelines

Subject to staffing and venue availability, the class shall undertake some field work to experience UAV Flight Operations and to flight test the final design prototypes. Students will need to travel to the site via shared cars or public transport,

Work, health and safety

Closed footwear and safety glasses required for fabricating parts in the lab.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AERO5400: Advanced Aircraft Design Analysis

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links