Design, size, and build UAVs using aerodynamics, performance equations, and 3D printing

What you'll learn

[list]
[]Design a complete fixed-wing drone from first principles—from equations to flight
[]Design a complete fixed-wing drone from first principles, starting with mission requirements and aircraft sizing
[]Understand how lift, drag, Reynolds number, and stability affect real aircraft performance, not just theory
[]Size wings, tails, control surfaces, and landing gear for stable, predictable flight
[]Model and simulate aircraft aerodynamics using professional-grade tools to evaluate lift, drag, and pitching moments
[]Iterate and refine a design using aerodynamic data, just like real aircraft designers
[]Select and match motors, propellers, batteries, and electronics for efficient, reliable performance
[]Design and 3D print a flyable aircraft structure, optimized for strength, weight, and manufacturability
[]Configure radio controls, tune handling with rates and expo, and train safely using a flight simulator


Requirements

[list]
[]No aerospace background required
[]Familiarity with basic spreadsheets is helpful, but all calculations are explained step by step
[]A willingness to learn and experiment with aircraft design concepts


Description

Design, Simulate, and Build Your Own Fixed-Wing Drone — From First Principles to Flight

Have you ever wanted to design a fixed-wing aircraft that actually flies the way you expect — not through trial and error, but using real engineering principles?

This course takes you through the complete fixed-wing aircraft design process, starting from fundamental aerodynamics and ending with a 3D-printed, flyable aircraft. You'll learn not just what works, but why it works — and how to apply those principles to your own designs.

We begin with the physics of flight: lift, drag, stability, and aircraft sizing. You'll learn how to balance an aircraft, predict its performance, and make design decisions using equations and spreadsheets instead of guesswork.

From there, you'll move into aerodynamic modeling and simulation, where you'll build aircraft concepts and evaluate their lift, drag, and pitching moments using professional-grade, free software. You'll see how real aerodynamic data informs design choices and how to iterate toward better performance.

Next, we focus on stability, control, and handling, covering moments, center of gravity placement, control surface sizing, landing gear design, and stall behavior. These lessons ensure your aircraft is not only flyable, but stable and forgiving.

You'll then learn how to select and integrate real aircraft systems, including motors, propellers, batteries, servos, radios, and power systems. You'll understand how each subsystem interacts and how to avoid common failures that lead to crashes.

Finally, the course bridges design and reality with 3D-printed aircraft manufacturing. You'll learn how to design airframes specifically for 3D printing, optimize strength and weight, choose materials, and produce parts that survive real flight loads. You'll also learn how to configure your radio controls, tune handling with rates and expo, and train safely using a free flight simulator before flying.

By the end of this course, you won't just understand fixed-wing aircraft — you'll have a complete, repeatable process for designing, building, and flying your own airplanes.

What Makes This Course Different

[list]
[]Focuses on real aircraft design, not kits or guesswork
[]Teaches first-principles engineering in a practical, accessible way
[]Uses free, professional-grade tools
[]Connects aerodynamics, systems, manufacturing, and flight into one workflow
[]Designed for engineers, students, makers, and serious hobbyists


No prior aircraft design experience is required — all concepts are explained step by step.

Who this course is for:

[list]
[]Beginners with no prior aircraft design experience—all concepts and tools are explained step by step
[]Anyone who wants to design and build their own fixed-wing drone, from concept to flight
[]Engineers, students, and makers who want a practical, hands-on approach to aircraft design
[]Drone and RC pilots and UAV enthusiasts who want to understand why aircraft fly the way they do
[]Hobbyists frustrated by trial-and-error designs who want a structured, engineering-based workflow
[]Aerospace or mechanical engineering students looking for real-world fixed-wing design experience
[]Entrepreneurs and startups interested in developing custom fixed-wing UAVs
[]3D printing enthusiasts who want to create functional, flyable aircraft


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