Session 6 at SOAR by AVEMBSYS

              Hello everyone, it was our 6^th session and was a bit of short duration unlike the previous sessions. The session started as usual with one of our friend explaining about bugs and debugging with the help of a few sample codes. The session was mainly focussed in the discussion of the projects that were as a part of our assignment.

              However, in the later part of the session we discussed about SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). Here we learnt about the software development process in industries. We learnt about the various phases that undergoes in the process of development of software. The various phases include Analysis, Design, Implementation/Development and Testing. The efforts and time spent in each phases are roughly estimated to be 10% (Analysis), 20% (Design), 20% (Development) and 50% (Testing).

               Analysis is the first step towards a software development process. Here the software developer (industrialist) tries to understand the various problems of the client. This is mainly handled by the domain experts or the business analyst. He has to look for the various requirements of the client considering the feasibility, both technical and commercial. The output of this stage is SRSD (Software Requirement Specific Document) which is then sent to the client for approval. The client may send RFC (Request for change) if any changes are required and the SRSD is changed accordingly and resend to client for further approval.

              Once a SRSD has been approved by the client, the second phase, i.e. Design, starts. This phase has two level designs, the top level and the low level. The top level design consists of algorithms, flow charts and block diagram. The low level design consists of data structure, logic and function. The output of top level design is HDD (High level Design Document) while that of low level design is LDD (Low level/Detailed Design Document).

              The third phase, development, deals with the transformation of the designed document into programming codes. The codes so developed must be efficient, flexible and reusable.

              After the development of the programming codes, they undergo testing process. Here the programme codes are checked for their efficiency and error free with their respective systems.

              At the mere end of the session, the discussion drifted once again to the projects. The session was very interesting and delightful as there was a lot to learn from it.

Session 5 at SOAR by AVEMBSYS

             The 5^th session at SOAR was conducted on 11th Jan, 2011. The class started as usual with one of our friend rendering some basics on C language. We then moved on with the discussion of the developments in our projects.

             The main highlight of the session was Avionics or Aviation Electronics, defined as, all electronics and electromechanical systems and subsystems (hardware and software) installed or attached to an aircraft. To begin with we saw the principle requirements for all flights, they are, safety of flight, mission of the aircraft, life cycle cost and certification. Certification is a major factor in Avionics design and some of the certification body includes FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in US and DCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) in India. We then saw Mc Donnell Douglas module of an Avionic System wherein we saw the Avionic placement on multipurpose aircraft. The various Avionics involved were IFF (Identify Friend or Foe), MLS (Microwave Landing System), ATC Transponder, TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), Radio Altimeter, Live TV, VOR/LOC, Weather RADAR, Glide Slope, Marker Beacon, DME (Distance Measuring Equipment),FM Broadcast, ADF ( Automatic Direction finder), UHF SATCOM, C-Band SATCOM.

              We also discussed the navigation system wherein we learnt about absolute navigation system, dead reckoning system navigation system, mapping navigation system. The discussion also included the communication system, flight control system, engine control system FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine (or Electronics) Control), FMS and TCAS. Then we learnt about ELT (Emergency Location Transmitter), a critical part in an aircraft. They transmit distress signals of key frequencies 121.5, 238, 406 MHz during emergencies and when tuned to this frequency, the aircraft is assisted from ground for its rescue. Further we saw some regulatory and advisory agencies that include ICAQ, FAA, FCC, RTCA, ARINC, SAE, IEEE, JAA, EUROCAE, DGCA UK, DGCA France and DGCA India. We were also shown, in brief, some of the professional coding for various avionic systems in an airbus.

               At the mere end of the session, we discussed about EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System). This system provides caution and warning to the pilot about terrain around the aircraft so that pilot can take necessary action. There are seven modes of EGPWS: Excessive Descent Rate, Excessive Closure to terrain, Altitude loss after takes-off, Unsafe terrain clearance, Excessive glideslope deviation, advisory Callout/Back angle, Wind Shear Alerting. Also had a brief discussion on TCAS and saw some TCAS symbols that may appear on a TCAS system in various scenarios.

               We ended the session with a discussion on the latest development in IAF, the TEJAS. We were shown some glimpses of its 1^st successful voyage and discussed some of its capabilities. It is India’s maiden achievement in the field of aeronautics as it is India’s 1^st self-made Light Combat Aircraft.      

Session 4 at SOAR by AVEMBSYS

               We have winded with the 4^th session of our training program that was commenced on 7^th of jan, 2011. The session as usual was very interesting and informational. We started with a little refreshing theory on 8051 led by one of our college lecturer. We then discussed the projects that were assigned to us, with the tech lead. Everyone gave their ideas and discussed their approach to the project.

               The session mainly dealt with aircraft evolution, their various types and their basis of classification. To begin with we saw the Ornithopter, it was man’s early attempt to fly, where he attached wings like birds and tried to fly. Since then, various aeronautic pioneers across the decades came up with various airship designs. Some of them were Francesco Lana de Terzi, Sir George Caley, Otto Lilienthal and last the Wright brothers, the heroes of aviation.

                Moving further we saw the various classifications of aircrafts that were classified based on various factors. Some of these factors include space of operation, propulsion, crew, wings, wing types, landing modes, engines, number of engines and functions. Then we saw the difference between an aircraft and a spacecraft. The discussion also included various special types of aircrafts. They include Reconnaissance, SR-71 Black Birds, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), microplanes, Aerial Refuelling, VTOL and Stealth. Among them, the most interesting were the AWACS and Stealth. The AWACS has an on-board RADAR system that can detect enemy aircrafts within 250 miles and thereby warn its co-fighter aircrafts. The Stealth aircraft is special in the sense that it cannot be detected by any RADAR system because of its unique shape and techniques imbibed. Following that we saw the Voyager aircraft meant for flying without stopping or refueling for a very long time. We also discussed about sky cars and solo trek XFV solo flying machines. We also focused a bit on Bermuda triangle where a large number of ships and aircrafts crashed or went missing. We also had a small video session wherein we saw the air crash investigation of AVIANCA Flight 52. The investigation concluded various factors responsible for the crash. But the main factor was the miscommunication between the ATCs (Air Traffic Control) and the pilot. Some other factors include the bad weather condition at JFK airport, the first pilot was poor in English and the pilot not using proper code for emergency landing.

              At the end of the session we discussed about ILS (Instrument Landing System) which helps the aircraft to land at a desired elevation and maintains the aircraft alignment to the centre of the runway. With this another inspiring and educational session came to an end and looking forward for more exuberant sessions in future.

Session 3 at SOAR by AVEMBSYS

       The 3^rd session of avembsys was commenced after a long wait of a month gap on 5^th jan 2011. The session as expected was very enlightening and educational. At the start of the class we were little bit refreshed about the basics of C language by one of our friend.

       ‘’ How does an aircraft fly? ‘’Yes, the session started with the very question and mainly dealt with various mechanisms and factors that answered the above question. To begin with, the various factors and phenomenon that govern an aircraft flight was discussed. We therefore started from the fundamentals, discussing about Aerodynamic basics and some physical concepts such as Mass, Weight, Force, Momentum, Moment, Couple, Density, Viscosity, Temperature and Pressure. Then we had a brief concept on Gas Laws, Isothermal Process, Adiabatic Process, Standard Sea Level Conditions and Aircraft Terminologies such as Aircraft Attitude, Centre of Gravity, Aerodynamic Centre, Centre of Pressure, Mach Number etc.  

Out of all these, pressure was discussed in a bit broad as it is the air pressure that gives lift to plane. Talking about air pressure, we discussed about a device, Pitot tube, used to determine the aircraft speed and also referred to an air crash of Air France 447 that killed 228 people which resulted due to malfunctioning of pitot tube.

         Then we were introduced to the various elementary parts of a modern day aircraft. These parts play the vital role to drive and handle an aircraft starting from take-off to landing. They include the Jet Engine, Flaps, Slats, Aileron, Spoilers, Rudder, Elevator, Cockpit, Fuselage, Horizontal Stabilizer, and Vertical Stabilizer. They help the aircraft to maintain its speed, altitude, attitude and direction.

After a small break, the session resumed with a small video session. It started with a video depicting VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) systems in Fighter Jet Planes. Also in the video session was the air crash of Airbus A320 due to fatal errors made by the pilot and authorities. The session proceeded to its end with the discussion of projects.  We were then assigned a project to design two transceiver systems, each interfaced with 8051 microcontroller and consisting of a keypad and LCD. The module also consists of a line sensor that monitors the two devices and responds if there is crossing.

        Thus the session ended keeping everyone engaged and busy with the projects.  Looking forward to the exciting and educational next session .