Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering is an elite, high-tech field of engineering concerned with the creation of aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites, and UAVs), their engines, onboard systems, and power plants.

The specialty encompasses the entire lifecycle of aerospace systems: from market analysis and conceptual design to manufacturing, certification, flight testing, maintenance, and decommissioning. A specialist in this field integrates knowledge of aerodynamics, gas dynamics, aircraft structural strength, aerospace materials science, flight control systems, and modern digital engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE).

The training of aerospace engineering specialists is built around the following key focus areas:

- aircraft and space vehicles and their structures: civil and military aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), launch vehicles, ballistic and cruise missiles, spacecraft, orbital stations, and re-entry modules;

- aircraft and rocket engines: piston, gas turbine (turbofan, turbojet), liquid-propellant (solid-propellant), and electric rocket engines, compressors, turbines, and combustion chambers;

- aerodynamics, gas dynamics, and ballistics: airflow behavior over structures, subsonic and supersonic speeds, flight dynamics, and trajectory calculation for spacecraft orbital insertion;

- aerospace digital engineering (CAD/CAE): 3D parametric modeling (CATIA, Siemens NX), CFD airflow analysis (Ansys Fluent), strength and fatigue life simulation (Ansys Mechanical, Abaqus);

- onboard systems, power plants, and testing: hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems, life support systems, rig and flight testing, technical diagnostics, and certification according to international standards (FAR/CS, PART-21/145).

Educational goals by higher education levels:

First (Bachelor's) level — training specialists capable of solving complex specialized and practical problems related to the development, production, maintenance, and certification of aerospace equipment, engines, and structures.

Main focuses of Bachelor's degree training:

- mastering fundamental disciplines: theoretical mechanics, strength of materials, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, machine parts, and aircraft design;

- mastering 3D design in CAD systems (CATIA, SolidWorks) and preparing technical documentation according to aerospace standards;

- learning technologies for manufacturing parts and assembling aerospace equipment, applying composite materials (carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum alloys);

- gaining familiarity with airworthiness standards, maintenance, and repair procedures.

Second (Master's) level — training research engineers and lead design engineers capable of solving complex problems in the development, manufacturing, testing, and certification of aerospace equipment under conditions of uncertain requirements and constraints.

Main focuses of Master's degree training:

- computer analysis of complex processes: computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEM) for strength, stability, vibration, and structural life prediction;

- designing and calculating advanced engines, rocket stages, unmanned systems, and orbital modules;

- organizing certification procedures in accordance with international aviation regulations (EASA, FAA, State Aviation Administration of Ukraine);

- managing aerospace projects, conducting applied scientific research, and optimizing mass and aerodynamic characteristics.

Third (Educational-Scientific) level — training highly qualified scientific and pedagogical personnel capable of conducting independent scientific research, implementing innovations, and developing new concepts in the creation, improvement, and testing of aerospace systems.

Main focuses of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) training:

- fundamental and applied research in supersonic aerodynamics, combustion theory in rocket engines, and optimal flight control theory;

- creating new mathematical models and calculation methods for strength, thermal resistance, and dynamics of aerospace structures operating under extreme flight conditions;

- publishing research results in leading peer-reviewed journals (Scopus / Web of Science) and patent activities;

- academic teaching in higher education institutions and managing research and development (R&D) projects.

Key graduate competencies:

- Aerospace CAD/CAM — 3D design of airframes, rocket elements, and engines in CATIA, Siemens NX, and SolidWorks;

- Aerodynamic Analysis (CFD) — modeling external and internal flow, calculating lift, drag, and gas dynamic flows (Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM);

- Strength Analysis (CAE/FEA) — evaluating static and dynamic strength, operational lifespan, fatigue damage, and structural stability (Ansys, NASTRAN, Abaqus);

- Engine and Systems Design — calculating thermogasdynamic cycles, designing compressors, turbines, combustion chambers, fuel, and pneumatic-hydraulic systems;

- Certification and Testing — knowledge of airworthiness standards, planning and executing ground, rig, and flight testing.

Graduates of Specialty G12 Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering possess top-level engineering expertise and are in high demand both in Ukraine and internationally:

- aerospace enterprises and design bureaus: Aeronautical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Engineer at companies such as SE "ANTONOV", SE "SDB "Yuzhnoye", SE "VKF "ATU", "Motor Sich", etc.;

- UAV development and manufacturing (UAV/Drone sector): Lead Structural/Aerodynamics Engineer developing reconnaissance, strike, and civil unmanned systems;

- international aerospace corporations: development and test engineers at companies like Boeing, Airbus, SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Safran, Baykar;

- airlines and MRO facilities: Continuing Airworthiness Management Engineer (CAMO), Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Engineer (MRO);

- defense industry: development, testing, and modernization of missile systems, precision weapons, and air/missile defense systems;

- science and education (for PhDs and Master's graduates): researcher at National Academy of Sciences institutes, vendor R&D centers, higher education university lecturer.

Training is provided by:

- Faculty of Aircraft Engineering;

- Department of Aerohydrodynamics (101);

- Department of Aircraft Strength (102);

- Department of Airplane and Helicopter Design (103);

- Department of Aircraft Manufacturing Technology (104);

- Department of Information Technologies of Design (105);

- Faculty of Aircraft Engines;

- Department of Aircraft Engine Design (203);

- Department of Aircraft Engine Production Technology (204);

- Department of Aircraft Control Systems (301);

- Faculty of Rocket and Space Technology;

- Department of Rocketry Design and Construction (401);

- Department of Space Engineering and Non-Conventional Energy Sources (402);

- Department of Composite Structures and Aviation Materials Science (403);

- Department of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies.

Education is provided under the following educational programs:

Educational Program	Degree	Mode of Study	Duration of Study
Aircraft Design, Manufacturing, and Certification	Bachelor based on complete general secondary education	Full-time and part-time	3 years and 10 months
Rocket and Space Engineering
Intelligent Unmanned Vehicles		Full-time
Aircraft Engines and Power Plants
Design and Manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Avionics
Aircraft Engines and Power Plants	Master, professional educational program	Full-time	1 year and 4 months
Aircraft Design, Manufacturing, and Certification		Full-time and part-time
Rocket and Space Engineering
Aircraft Engines and Power Plants	Master, educational-scientific program	Full-time	1 year and 9 months
Aircraft Design, Manufacturing, and Certification		Full-time and part-time
Rocket and Space Engineering
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering	Doctor of Philosophy	Full-time and part-time	4 years