Sir Frank Whittle Building

Improve your skills and understanding of general networking. Learn to run workstations and servers while also improving your fundamental knowledge. Optional modules will allow you to develop your skills in preparation for the Cisco certification exam.

Experience realistic flight in a replica Cessna 172 cockpit. With a wide field of view and a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, enhance your learning in flight mechanics, control systems and human-machine interaction, bridging theory and real-world aviation.

Experience real-world vehicle dynamics in our advanced driving simulator. A motion platform replicates forces like acceleration, braking, and cornering. It is ideal for driver training, automotive research, and testing new vehicle technologies like autonomous systems and ADAS.

Get hands-on with engine testing, performance analysis and optimisation. Equipped with a 220kW AC dynamometer, it simulates real-world conditions. Use industry-standard tools like AVL Puma, AVL Fuelware, and ETAS ECU software.

Experience hands-on work with real aircraft components, tools, and mechanics in this facility. It allows you to engage directly with an operational aircraft, deepening your understanding of systems, functionality and maintenance, and bridging theory with real-world application.

Utilise advanced tools like 3D laser scanning, CMM, and an electron microscope for precision measurement and material analysis. Develop skills in quality control and design validation, preparing you for a career in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and materials science.

Refine aerodynamics in your engineering designs using our 1/5th scale wind tunnel. This advanced facility, with real-time data collection and simulations of high-performance conditions, aims to enhance your understanding of fluid dynamics and provides industry-relevant engineering skills.

Work on one of our 84 workstations, equipped with a range of open-source security suites and a range of commonly used virtualisation, ethical hacking, and digital forensics tools, alongside a secondary internal network.

Fabricate any components you need in our fabrication facility. Weld, cut, and shape materials to bring your designs to life. The facility is used by our motorsports and engineering students for the fabrication of components or chassis design and build.

Our six COBRA flight simulators offer an exciting, hands-on learning experience, putting you in control of your simulated designs. With 61 channels of flight data and a realistic air traffic control environment, you’ll have the tools to design and innovate the aircraft of the future.

Develop games in our laboratory equipped with high-end gaming PCs. These PCs run industry-standard game engines, programming environments, and 3D design packages. Learn to develop for a range of mediums, including PC, mobile and virtual reality (VR).

Gain firsthand learning in sustainable energy and fluid dynamics. Utilise advanced systems for studying wind turbines, solar panels and geothermal energy. Focus on energy efficiency, system design, and the real-world behaviour of heat and fluids.

Simulate real-world vehicle dynamics in a hands-on environment. This facility replicates road conditions, downforce, and inertial loadings, helping you to analyse handling, ride comfort and suspension performance.