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[مهدي كياني]

The Aerospace Electronics and Information Technology Division is an electronics and computer engineering-oriented organization serving the needs of industry and government agencies through aerospace technology transfer. The division combines extensive hardware and software design activities with a comprehensive systems engineering program. In addition, a broad range of services is available to help clients produce, operate, and manage systems through effective training, supply, transportation, distribution, testing, maintenance, repair, and other logistics support functions. The Aerospace Electronics and Information Technology Division is AS9100 for the research, design, development and evaluation of a variety of hardware, software products and technologies for government and industries.​

Richard D. Somers, Vice President

• Avionics and Support Systems Department
  
  • Integrated Diagnostics
  • Aircraft Systems Integration
    
    
• Electronics Integration and Information Technology Department
  
  • Engineering Services
  • Automatic Test Equipment
  • Large-Scale Database Development
  • Reliability and Maintainability Improvements
  • Software Development
  • Program Development and Operations
    
    
• Aerospace Engineering Department
  
  • Unmanned Systems and Sensors
  • Autonomous Systems and Control
  • Aerospace Systems Engineering
    

Division Publications

• Brochures
• Technical papers published
• Technical papers presented
• Technology Today articles

 

[مهدي كياني]

Printable Version
Aerospace Electronics and Information Technology

For many years, SwRI researchers have supported national defense needs, especially those related to military aircraft. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the U.S. Air Force restructured several programs to improve its support of homeland defense, increase the flexibility of its communications systems and improve its response times. To assist those programs and other longstanding activities of the Air Force depots, in particular, staff members are spread across the geographical United States in Texas, Georgia, Utah, Oklahoma City and Virginia.
The Air Force AN/FYQ-93 system plots radar data, displays aircraft data and tracks aircraft to assist in air defense decision-making. As the communications and display nerve center of the Atmospheric Early Warning System, it oversees air sovereignty tasks for North America, Hawaii and Iceland. Over the past year, we have redesigned out-of-date, unreliable electronic components so that the system can continue to function as an essential and indispensable element of air defense.

SwRI is redesigning circuit cards for use in the AN/FYQ-93 component of the Atmospheric Early Warning System, which oversees air sovereignty tasks for North America, Hawaii and Iceland. The image shows 1960s technology no longer supported by manufacturers (far left) and two SwRI redesigns that enable new capabilities and upgrades. We were tasked last year with redesigning engine and structures monitoring systems on the A-10 aircraft. In addition to combining multiple systems into a single unit, the new design interfaces with equipment added since 1978. The modifications improve system maintenance and reduce cost by eliminating high-failure items and several aircraft black boxes. The redesign is expected to help keep the 1978-series A-10 aircraft flying until 2028.
Since winning the A-10 prime contract in 1997, SwRI has addressed and resolved aircraft functional issues, such as upgrading avionics and support equipment and improving the collection of aircraft structural data. Since then, the A-10 weapon system has been undergoing a variety of modifications and upgrades to extend its service life by reinforcing wing components, expanding its precision weapons capabilities and improving its communication datalinks. Because these upgrades have structural implications, the A-10 prime team, led by Lockheed Martin, is revitalizing the aircraft structural integrity program to sustain the aircraft as its flying hours increase and its usage expands.
SwRI engineers developed the hardware and software for a ground station that controls a small unmanned aerial vehicle produced by Mission Technologies Inc. The control system enables the vehicle to launch, fly a preplanned route and land without operator intervention.

As a "fly-by-wire" aircraft, the F-16 depends on a flight control computer for stability and flight performance. Operators want to expand the capabilities of the digital flight control computer, but expansion is limited by the current design. Staff members are developing performance, interface and test specifications for each of three circuit card assemblies. SwRI also is coordinating a market research study to determine upgrades that could be considered when the circuit card assemblies are procured competitively. Our study will provide information to help "grade" different bidders' approaches, such as the relative benefits of a specific processor replacement technology.
Over the past year, the U.S. Army has added new rapid response defense programs. We recently developed the flight control system for a small unmanned aerial vehicle that will provide forward Army troops with up-to-date, local information concerning potentially dangerous situations. Unlike satellites and the Predator, both of which are long-range, high-altitude craft, this highly portable vehicle provides immediate battlefield information to small combat units.
Visit avionics.swri.org for more information or contact Vice President Richard D. Somers at (210) 522-3188 or rsomers@swri.org.

 

[مهدي كياني]

What is Aerospace Engineering?

Who are Aerospace Engineers?
Aerospace Engineers are involved in all aspects of aeronautics (working with aircraft) and astronautics (working with spacecraft). They conduct research, and design and develop vehicles and systems for atmospheric and space environments. These engineers often specialize in one of many areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, fluids, structures, guidance & control, and computation.
What Education will I Need?
Generally, a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering is required to work as an aerospace engineer. The University of Texas offers this degree as well as Master’s and Doctorate programs. Successful aerospace engineers have the proper educational background, possess good communication skills, and are committed to being a part of a team.
What Jobs are Available as an Aerospace Engineer?
The field of aerospace technology offers a wide range of employment opportunites to those with the proper educational background. An aerospace team is made up of engineers, scientists, and technicians. Positions are available through the private sector as well as within the U. S. Government. Examples of major engineering roles in the aerospace industry include:

• Analysis
• Design
• Materials and Processes
• Systems Engineering
• Software Development
• Manufacturing
• Flight Research
• Field Service

Recommended High School Preparation Courses
The UT Aerospace Engineering Department likes to see completion of high school courses in the following subjects:

• Mathematics courses including:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Mathematics Analysis
• Calculus

• Computer Science
• Natural Science courses including:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

• English
• History
• Foreign Language

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Launch of Delta-II with ICESat, shortly after release.