The vision of flying taxis and drones in our cities has developed into a sector with various designs from bold startups and investors, as well as established aviation companies and authorities, in just a few years. There are countless predictions about whether and when Urban Air Mobility will become a reality.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) design, focusing on preliminary design strategies, flight physics, and system-level optimization. Whether you’re new to VTOL or looking to deepen your understanding, this course welcomes participants with diverse backgrounds, requiring only basic programming skills in Python or MATLAB. Through the development of a Python-based tool for performance and sizing calculations, you’ll explore essential topics like power calculation, structural weight modeling, and design visualization. These core concepts form the foundation for designing innovative, efficient VTOL systems tailored to modern requirements.
The course emphasizes a practical approach to design, integrating theory with real-world applications. Using a combination of momentum-based analyses, system modeling, and optimization techniques, you’ll learn how to evaluate and optimize VTOL configurations for specific missions. Throughout the course, key concepts such as the trade-offs between structural weight and performance, as well as the interdependence of power, aerodynamics, and requirements, will be highlighted. The knowledge and skills gained will prepare you for advanced studies or professional work in VTOL development, offering a strong basis for tackling challenges in sustainable aviation and future air mobility solutions.