The University of Hertfordshire has announced a significant investment of £2 million in advanced wind tunnels and flight simulators aimed at enhancing its aerospace engineering program. This initiative positions the university at the forefront of aerospace teaching facilities, providing students with access to state-of-the-art resources that are not commonly found in academic settings.
This investment comes as the university caters to approximately 450 students enrolled in its aerospace engineering courses. The new wind tunnels will replace outdated equipment, allowing for improved maintenance and operational efficiency. Principal Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering, Peter Thomas, expressed enthusiasm for the new installations, noting their importance in the learning environment.
"We are replacing an old wind tunnel which was harder to maintain with a brand new one, as well as having other additional wind tunnels." – Peter Thomas
In addition to the wind tunnels, the university is incorporating new flight simulators equipped with augmented reality technology. This innovative approach will enable students to experience a realistic cockpit environment within a Cessna simulator. Matt Goodro, Principal Lecturer in Engineering and Technology, highlighted the significance of this technology for student learning.
"One completely new element is how we will be using augmented reality inside a Cessna flight simulator cockpit to collect data about how a pilot reacts and studying the ergonomics of flying an aircraft." – Matt Goodro
The integration of augmented reality into the training program allows students to explore a range of capabilities previously unavailable. The university aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience by enhancing its facilities with cutting-edge testing equipment and simulators. These advancements will enrich the curriculum and allow students to engage with real-world scenarios effectively.
Peter Thomas also remarked on the rarity of such resources within academia, emphasizing their value in improving educational outcomes.
"It is not common to find this kind of equipment in academia so we are very pleased to have it." – Peter Thomas
