4th year Aeronautical Engineering students of the University of Limerick took to the skies today as two final year projects in aeronautical engineering were launched. Two teams of students designed and constructed remotely controlled subscale aircraft. Each aircraft has been designed to a strict specification and faced a number of challenges including the release of two litres of water from a height of 100m without loss of control.

Monitored test flights took place at the University of Limerick, expertly piloted by William Gaule of the Limerick & Shannon model flying club. Both aircraft successfully completed their missions. Speaking after the test flight, William Guale said; “Due to the various design specifications, both planes were different to fly, and it is amazing the difference made by two litres of water. The effort that goes into designing and producing these planes is incredible and you can see the end result, both planes were very stable in flight. It is a great project to be involved in.”

Aeronautical Engineering Student  and Leader of team ‘Flying Wheelbarrow’, Paul Carolan said; “Our team of 13 is the largest  group we’ve ever worked in. This project really prepares us for industry and is an experience that will stand to us in the future”

Aeronautical Engineering Student and Leader of team ‘Ribbed Baron’, Brian Treacy said; “Our aircraft design was chosen to meet all the constraints of the task, the test flight allowed us to analyse all the problems with our model, put what we learned into action and come up with the final design, ”

Dr Trevor Young, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering said; "This challenge requires our students to design, build and fly complex air vehicles designed to a demanding set of requirements. The students need to use the information and engineering skills acquired over the entire engineering programme to create an aircraft that is strong enough to support the loads, yet light enough to fly with small electric motors. Good teamwork and good project management are essential ingredients for success. These attributes are highly valued in industry, but are often ignored in many engineering courses.”

UL offers the only Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering programme in the Republic of Ireland and has developed strong links in undergraduate placement with some of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers including EADS, Airbus and Bombardier Aerospace. Boeing Engineer of the Year 2011, Dr Pio Fitzgerald is a graduate of the Aeronautical Engineering programme at the University of Limerick.