Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
2İHA 114Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Propulsion Systems2+2+03411.11.2026
Course Details
Language of Instruction Turkish
Level of Course Unit Associate Degree
Department / Program Drone Technology and Operations
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Compulsory
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course To provide students with the ability to design suitable, application-oriented systems by evaluating the structure, working principles and performance parameters of the different propulsion systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles from technical, environmental and aerodynamic perspectives.
Course Content This course examines the propulsion systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles in terms of their technical, structural and energy-based aspects. Electric motors, internal combustion engines, ESC systems, battery technologies and alternative energy sources are covered in detail. Propeller theory, power transmission and motor–propeller matching are evaluated together with basic aerodynamic principles. Within the scope of the course, the performance of propulsion systems is analyzed and application-oriented system design is carried out.
Course Methods and Techniques Lecture (direct instruction), question-answer, discussion, practice, and design techniques are used.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Instructor Canan Eren canan.eren@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Hill, Philip G.1932- , Peterson, Carl R; Mechanics and thermodynamics of propulsion ; 2nd ed; Addison-Wesley, 1992.Drones: An Illustrated Guide to the Unmanned Aircraft That Are Filling Our Skies di Martin J. Dougherty Professional Drone Pilot's Checklist & Field, Manual İnsansız Hava Aracı Teknolojisi ve Operatörlüğü Eğitim Kitabı, Prof. Dr. Murat Yakar, Doç. Dr. Ali Ulvi, Öğr. Gör. Şafak Fidan, Öğr. Gör. Atilla Karabacak
Course Notes [1] P. G. Hill ve C. R. Peterson, Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion, 2. Baskı, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1992.
[2] H. I. H. Saravanamuttoo, G. F. C. Rogers, H. Cohen, P. V. Straznicky ve A. C. Nix, Gas Turbine Theory, 7. Baskı, Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, 2017.
[3] M. J. Dougherty, Drones: An Illustrated Guide to the Unmanned Aircraft That Are Filling Our Skies, Amber Books, Londra, 2015.
[4] Professional Drone Pilot ` s Checklist & Field Manual.
[5] T. Larsen ve R. Blomquist, Six-Word Lessons for the Drone Hobbyist: 100 Lessons to Fly Your Drone Safely with Skill and Confidence.
[6] A. Özdemir, Elektrik Motorları ve Sürücüleri.
[7] H. Demirel, Temel Elektrik-Elektronik.
[8] H. Demirel, Elektronik Devre Elemanları ve Elektronik Devreler, Birsen Yayınevi, İstanbul, 2012.
[9] M. Yakar, A. Ulvi, Ş. Fidan, A. Karabacak ve O. Villi, İnsansız Hava Aracı Teknolojisi ve Operatörlüğü Eğitim Kitabı, Mersin Üniversitesi, Mersin
Documents Hill, Philip G.1932- , Peterson, Carl R; Mechanics and thermodynamics of propulsion ; 2nd ed; Addison-Wesley, 1992.Drones: An Illustrated Guide to the Unmanned Aircraft That Are Filling Our Skies di Martin J. Dougherty Professional Drone Pilot ` s Checklist & Field, Manual İnsansız Hava Aracı Teknolojisi ve Operatörlüğü Eğitim Kitabı, Prof. Dr. Murat Yakar, Doç. Dr. Ali Ulvi, Öğr. Gör. Şafak Fidan, Öğr. Gör. Atilla Karabacak

Course Category
Mathematics and Basic Sciences %10
Engineering %20
Engineering Design %10
Field %60

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 40
Final examination 1 % 60
Total
2
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 4 56
Assignments 2 3 6
Mid-terms 1 1 1
Practice 7 4 28
Final examination 1 1 1
Saha Çalışması 7 4 28
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 4 120

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Classifies UAV propulsion systems and compares the basic characteristics of propulsion systems used in different platforms
2 Explains the operating principles of electric and internal combustion engines and selects the appropriate engine type according to UAV applications
3 Analyzes brushed and brushless motors along with ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) systems and performs system optimization
4 Evaluates the types of fuels used in internal combustion engines, their effects on performance, and their environmental impacts
5 Explains battery types (Li-ion, Li-Po, etc.), battery management systems, and safety measures
6 Explains hydrogen, solar, and hybrid energy systems and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of alternative propulsion systems
7 Performs thrust efficiency calculations based on propeller theory, selects the appropriate propeller–motor combination, and carries out system design
8 8. EExplains the working principles of gear systems and power transmission mechanisms.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction to the course and course overview
2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Propulsion Configurations Ders Notları
3 Electric Motors (Brushed and Brushless Motors) Ders Notları
4 Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) and Motor Control Ders Notları
5 Internal Combustion Engines Ders Notları
6 Fuel Types and Fuel Systems in Engines Ders Notları
7 Fuel Emissions and Environmental Effects Ders Notları
8 MIDTERM EXAM
9 Energy Storage Systems and Batteries Ders Notları
10 Alternative Energy Sources and Hybrid Systems Ders Notları
11 Propeller Theory and Propeller Selection Ders Notları
12 Propellers and Blades Ders Notları
13 Gear Systems and Power Transmission Mechanisms Ders Notları
14 General Review I Ders Notları
15 General Review II
16 Final

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14 P15
C1 3
C2 4
C3 4
C4 4
C5 4
C6 3
C7 5
C8 3

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant