Flight Performance and Propulsion

Area

The main research areas of the Flight Performance and Propulsion section are flight performance and propulsion, with the focus on advanced / innovative aircraft configurations and novel propulsion concepts. A key component of the research deals with the development of advanced design methods and tools required to tackle the multi-disciplinary-design optimization challenges posed by new and conventional configurations.

Mission

Our mission is to advance the design of innovative aircraft configurations and propulsion concepts,by exploration of:

1. new technologies to obtain novel or improved solutions,
2. the advances in flight physics to improve the prediction and simulation of air-vehicle performance,
3. new methods and tools to improve the quality and effectiveness of the design process.

Leadership

The knowledge and competences within Flight Performance and Propulsion section are grouped in three areas:

• Propulsion
• Flight Mechanics
• Aircraft Design & Design Methodologies

Each area is coordinated by one staff member. Prof. ir. van Buijtenen is responsible for the propulsion area, dr. ir. M. Voskuijl coordinates the flight mechanics area and dr. ir. G. La Rocca heads the aircraft design and design methodologies area.