Aerospace engineering deals with designing and building machines that fly. It is one of the newest branches of engineering, and began in the 19th century with the first experiments in powered flight. As technology progressed, two specialties emerged; aeronautical engineering, which involves designing aircraft such as powered lighter-than-air craft, gliders, fixed-wing airplanes and jets, autogyros, and helicopters; and astronautical engineering, which focuses on the design and development of spacecraft.
Aerospace engineering is largely the design, construction and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and weapons systems. Main focuses can include flight safety, fuel efficiency, operating costs and environmental impact.
Aerospace engineers may have a choice between the research and development, testing or maintenance side of the profession. They are often tasked with calculating project costs and timescales, writing manuals and upgrading and developing new technologies.
They are now also likely to learn how to use computer-aided design software for plans. Experienced aerospace engineers may investigate air crashes and the malfunctioning of parts.
Students of aerospace engineering apply concepts which can encompass maths, science and technology to the creation of aircraft and accompanying equipment. Specialisms include aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion and systems integration.
A skills shortage has led to considerable government investment in the subject since the turn of the millennium, and the number of aerospace engineering jobs is projected to rise further.
