Department of Aeronautical Engineering - Faculty of Engineering, KDU

Aeronautical Engineering Laboratory

During the period of the last four years, the department has spent nearly 200 Million LKR on laboratory equipment and upgrading the standards. Currently, a lump sum of a further 400 Million LKR has been allocated in “Corporation plan 2020-2024” to upgrade the department laboratories. Annually the department spends nearly 3 Million LKR for the maintenance and acquisition of capital equipment from the recurrent budget. Academic staff members with the assistance of laboratory technical staff prepare the list of equipment required for the laboratories. The Head of the Department in consultation with academic staff decides on the particular equipment to be purchased based on the curriculum.

Aircraft Structures Laboratory andWorkshop

Aircraft Structures Laboratory and Workshop has been set up mainly to teach the principles of aircraft structures, and airframe systems destructive testing to undergraduate students. The laboratory comprises of an Electric Fatigue Testing Machine, a Thin Cylinder Apparatus and a Pneumatic Tutor Kit for conducting practicals and the workshop is equipped with pneumatic tools to allow students to gain hands-on experience in aircraft structural repairing. The laboratory can accommodate about 45 students at a time.

Non–Destructive Testing Laboratory

The Non-Destructive Testing Laboratory has been set up mainly to teach the practical aspects of the principles of Non-Destructive Testing which is commonly used in the aviation industry. The laboratory comprises of advanced Eddy Current Testing Machine, an Ultrasonic Flaw Detector, a Liquid Penetrant Test Kit, an Ultrasonic Cleaner and a Borescope. The laboratory can accommodate about 36 students at a time.

Aircraft Systems Laboratory

The Department has an Aircraft System laboratory which houses a functional module of the Bell 212 Helicopter control system, a scientific 4-stroke piston engine and a variety of electrically powered functional radial and inline piston engine modules; turbo propeller, turboshaft, turbo jet engine modules for hands-on experience with the operation and maintenance of propulsion systems. The laboratory can accommodate about 36 students at a time.

Avionics Laboratory

The Avionics Laboratory has been set up mainly to teach the practical aspects of Avionics to undergraduate students. The facility is equipped with various aircraft electrical and electronic instruments, motorized gyroscope, wiring harnesses, electrical connectors and precision tool kit for assembling and disassembling instruments. The laboratory can accommodate about 36 students at a time.

Aerodynamics Laboratory

The Aerodynamics Laboratory has been set up mainly to teach the practical aspects of Aerodynamics, Aeronautical Fluid Dynamics and Aircraft Performance and Static Stability to undergraduate students. Facility comprises of a fully equipped Wind Tunnel with instruments and a Smoke Generator for flow visualization purposes. This is also used for research and development activities of the department. The laboratory can accommodate about 36 students at a time.

Jet Engine Test Facility

The Aerodynamics Laboratory has been set up mainly to teach the practical aspects of Airbreathing and Propulsion, Thermodynamics and Gas Turbine Engines. Jet Engine Test Facility houses a fully functional SR 71 turbojet engine with a pneumatic starter. This is claimed to be the best and most modern jet engine tester in the country. This is also used for research and development activities of the department. The laboratory can accommodate about 36 students at a time.

Aircraft Armaments Laboratory

The Aircraft Armaments Laboratory has been set up mainly to teach the practical aspects of Aircraft Armament and Guided Weapons to undergraduate cadets. The facility is equipped with decommissioned weapons and ammunition. The laboratory can accommodate about 5 students at a time.

Mi-24 Helicopter with Hangar Facility

The Hangar facility includes a fully equipped Russian Mi- 24 fighter helicopter where students are allowed to gather hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance. Further, all the required standard special tools and equipment for maintenance activities are provided for students. The hangar facility can accommodate about 20 students at a time.

Aviation Safety Equipment Laboratory

The Aviation Safety Equipment Laboratory has been set up mainly to teach the practical aspects of the safety equipment to undergraduate students. The laboratory is equipped with various passenger and pilot safety equipment with models of aircraft-assisted escape systems. The laboratory can accommodate about 5 students at a time.

UAV and Drone Testing Facility

With the rise of UAVs and Drones, many aeronautical engineering departments around the world now have labs dedicated to designing, building, and testing drones for various applications. Such that our Department also provides the required facilities for students to engage with modern drone technology