HomeTechnical coursesDrone Design and Aerodynamics

Drone Design and Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics, propulsion sizing, structures and CAD for building your own aircraft.

Indicative 4 weeksTechnicalMin age 18+
4 weeksDuration (indicative)
8–12Group size
18+Minimum age
EnglishLanguage of teaching
Course overview

About this technical course

Designing a drone means balancing lift, weight, power and strength. This course teaches the basic theory and the practical workflow: set requirements, size the propulsion, design the structure in CAD, build, test and improve.

FormatClassroom, CAD lab and test flights
LanguagesEnglish
CertificateIDA certificate: Drone Design
FeesOn request. Contact admissions for the current fee and batch dates.
Who it is for

Is this course right for you?

  • Engineering students and graduates
  • Start-up founders
  • R&D engineers adding drone skills
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

  • Explain lift, drag, thrust and stability for multi-rotor, fixed-wing and hybrid aircraft
  • Set a design brief with payload, endurance and cost targets
  • Size motors, propellers and batteries
  • Design a frame and wing in CAD
  • Choose materials and manufacturing methods
  • Test and iterate a prototype
Syllabus

What the course covers

Module 01

Aerodynamics

  • Lift, drag and thrust
  • Propeller and wing theory
  • Stability and control
Module 02

Propulsion and power

  • Motor and propeller matching
  • Battery sizing
  • Efficiency and endurance
Module 03

Structures and CAD

  • Materials: carbon fibre, plastics and foam
  • 3D design and printing
  • Strength and weight checks
Module 04

Build and test

  • Prototype build
  • Ground tests and air tunnel tests where available
  • Test flights and iteration
Lab work

Hands-on training

  • Design review of a sample brief
  • CAD design and 3D print of a part
  • Bench thrust test
  • Wind exposure test in the air tunnel lab where available
Assessment

How you are assessed

  • Design project and presentation
  • Written test
Prerequisites

Before you join

  • Basic physics and maths
  • Engineering background is helpful
India context

What to know in India

  • Supports India's growing drone manufacturing and start-up ecosystem
Careers

Roles this course supports

Drone design engineerPrototype engineerTechnical founder
Certification

What you receive

IDA certificate: Drone Design. Certificates are issued by International Drone Academy, part of World Skill University and powered by AIESF and WSSH Australia. Where a regulator licence or permission is also required, IDA explains the steps at enrolment.

Questions

Frequently asked

Will I build an aircraft?

Yes, a small prototype as part of the project.

Where and when does it run?

Batch dates and academy locations change through the year. Send an enquiry and admissions will share the next start dates for your city.

How do I enrol?

Use the enquiry form on this page, or email admin@internationaldroneacademy.org.

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