6C003E - Aircraft Systems and Structural Integration 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6C003E
Module Title: Aircraft Systems and Structural Integration
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Module Leader:
Module Team: Bethan Llewellyn
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

To enable students to critically analyse and evaluate the aerodynamic principles, aircraft systems and structural behaviours that underpin modern aeronautical engineering practice, applying advanced theoretical knowledge to complex maintenance and operational scenarios. Students will develop the ability to interpret system interactions, assess structural integrity and make informed engineering judgements that support safe, compliant and effective aircraft performance. 

Content Summary

This module develops an advanced understanding of aircraft aerodynamic behaviour, structural design principles and the operation of major mechanical and avionic systems found on large gas turbine aircraft. Students examine subsonic, transonic and supersonic aerodynamic characteristics, together with the function, integration and performance implications of primary and secondary flight controls. Structural study encompasses fuselage, wing and stabiliser construction, modern manufacturing methods, and the analysis of load paths, failure modes and structural integrity. Learners also explore cabin furnishings, interior systems and legislatively mandated safety equipment. 

The module further investigates the architecture and operation of key mechanical systems, including pneumatic supply, fire protection, low-pressure fuel systems, hydraulics and landing gear assemblies. Avionic coverage includes aircraft instrumentation, electrical power generation and distribution, lighting systems, integrated modular avionics, onboard maintenance systems, cabin management systems and aircraft information systems. Throughout, emphasis is placed on system interdependence, diagnostic reasoning and the application of engineering judgement to complex operational and maintenance scenarios. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 84
Tutorial 12
Independent Study 204
Directed Study 100
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate aerodynamic behaviours, aircraft structural design principles, and the performance characteristics of major mechanical and avionic systems, demonstrating an advanced understanding of how these factors interact to influence aircraft operation, integrity and safety.
LO2 Apply specialist analytical and diagnostic techniques to complex, authentic maintenance and operational scenarios, interpreting system data, assessing structural and system faults, and formulating evidence-based engineering judgements that support safe and compliant aircraft performance.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Essay Written report based on a mechanical subject 0 3500 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Written report based on an Avionic subject 0 3500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Essay ✔ ✔
Essay 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

1 Dale Crane - Airframe: Volume 1: Structures – 2006, Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. Newcastle, Washington. 

2 I. Moir, A. G. Seabridge, Malcolm Jukes. -Civil avionics systems - 2013, Wiley – Blackwell, Chichester, England. 

3 I. Moir, A.G. Seabridge. - Aircraft systems: mechanical, electrical, and avionics subsystems integration - 2008, Wiley, Chichester, England. 

4 E. H. Pallett, L. F. E. Coombs - Aircraft instruments and integrated systems – 1992. Longman scientific and Technical, Harlow, Essex, England. 

5 David Wyatt - Aircraft flight instruments and guidance systems: principles, operations, and maintenance, 1st edition - 2015. Routledge, Taylor and Francis group, London, New York. 

6 Thomas K. Eismin, - Aircraft electricity and electronics, 7th edition - 2019. McGraw-Hill Education, New York, NY. 

7 Michael H. Tooley, David Wyatt - Aircraft electrical and electronic systems, 2nd edition – 2018. Taylor and Francis, Routledge, Boca Raton. 

8 Michael H. Tooley, David Wyatt - Aircraft communications and navigation systems, 2nd edition - 2018. Routledge, Abingdon Oxen: New York, NY. 

9 Dale Crane - Airframe: Volume 2: Systems – 2007, Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. Newcastle, Washington. 

10 Department of Transportation, United States - Aviation maintenance technician handbook - airframe – 2013, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, United States. 

11 Dale Crane - Aviation maintenance technician series: General, 4th edition - 2017, Aviation supplies, Newcastle, Washington, USA.