Rockwell Collins has awarded a $24,800 Educational Development Grant to the Aerospace Engineering Department’s Flight Simulation Laboratory for the project titled “Control Station & Display for Unmanned Air Vehicles”. Dr. John Valasek, Director of the Flight Simulation Laboratory, says that the project will enhance the graduate and undergraduate student experience in modern cockpit systems and displays by fostering the learning and development of real-time software development skills, aviation human factors, and working effectively on a team to meet realistic deadlines.

In conjunction with students in the Computer Science Department, the project work will be conducted in AERO 440 Cockpit Systems and Displays during the Spring 2008 semester. Rockwell Collins will provide a Technical Monitor, and other Rockwell Collins personnel will provide guest lectures and technical assistance. A Preliminary Design Review (PDR) will be held at program mid-point, followed by a Critical Design Review (CDR) at the end of the program.

Texas A&M was one of five universities nationwide who were awarded grants this year, out of more than 30 applicants.

The Flight Simulation Laboratory webpage is http://flutie.tamu.edu/~fsl.