The primary objective of this project is to complete the design and determine the industrial manufacturing methodologies for a modular air-to-air missile rail launcher system, offering mission flexibility to enhance the strike capabilities of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and modern aircraft.

Prospective candidates will develop configurations that ensure the launcher's integration without compromising the aircraft's aerodynamics (allowing a maximum increase of 5% in the drag coefficient, Cd) and without exceeding MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight) limits. Furthermore, composite materials and alloys resilient to the thermal and mechanical loads encountered during launch will be selected, and electrical interfaces compliant with avionics data bus standards such as MIL-STD-1553B or CAN bus will be defined. As a result of the project, manufacturing processes will be established for a prototype intended to serve as a critical subsystem within the domestic defense industry. This prototype will be stable at high speeds, equipped with multi-stage safety and arming mechanisms (ARM), and certifiable to aviation standards (targeting a 99% success rate).

Criteria and Expectations

• Strong proficiency in, or a readiness to develop within, the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, including machine elements, power transmission, and mechanical system construction.
• Knowledge of aerodynamic principles (drag coefficient, MTOW limits) and aeroelastic stability.
• Eagerness to work with lightweight, high-strength composite materials and heat-treated alloys.
• A strong interest in engineering verification testing—such as static loading, wind tunnel testing, and drop tests—as well as defense industry quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning and executing end-to-end manufacturing methods, ranging from CAD/CAM processes to rapid prototyping (CNC machining, 3D printing).

Relevant Academic Departments

• Mechanical Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering