25 December, 2015, all students of the Innovation class (Grade 2014) of Engineering Mechanics, led by Prof. Yao Xiaohu (Head of Department of Engineering Mechanics), Prof. Zhang Hong and Prof. He Lingfeng, took the course practical training of ‘Introduction of Aeronautics & Astronautics’ at institution of Zhuhai CAIGA (China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.), the off-campus base for practice.

On-site demonstration

Visiting conceptual aircraft of Dragon 600(AG 600)

They visited South China CAIGA during the study tour, where they gained some insight into various general aircraft from relevant staff, including Light amphibious plane HO300, Light trainer AQ100 and Light vortex executive AG300 etc. The course practical training also contained the technical parameters of aircraft, like aerodynamic configuration, takeoff weight, dynamic system, endurance time, sailing speed, sailing speed, as well as the application of composite in general aircraft. Students were attracted by the large fuselage of the amphibious rescue aircraft AG600 which they had a careful observation. Even more, some of them went aboard to experience the daily work of a pilot.

After the on-site demonstration, the expert of CAIGA provided a lecture about the brief introduction of institution of Zhuhai CAIGA and aircraft types under design. He also introduced the process of aircraft design, emphasizing the important place of mechanics in aircraft design and manufacture. During the lecture, heated discussions took place between the lecturer and audience, where some core problems presented by students from aeromodelling studio were solved.

Lecture provided by the expert

Group photo of the class and tutors

The course practical training plays an important role in the student learning career, aiming to broaden the horizon and improve the ability of connecting theory with practice. Despite of the short tour, the students gained a lot and said they would ‘observe more, suffer more, research more’ in the future career.