Electric propulsion course for UAVs
About our
The Electric Propulsion for UAVs Course focuses on understanding and applying key technologies in the design and operation of electric propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It covers topics such as electric motor selection and optimization, batteries and energy management, flight control, systems integration, and operational safety. The advantages of electric propulsion are explored in terms of energy efficiency, emission reduction, and operating silence, with an emphasis on practical application for different types of UAVs.
The course offers training in propulsion system design, performance simulation and analysis, and the assessment of the feasibility of electric UAV projects. This course includes the study of standards and regulations applicable to the design and operation of electrically powered UAVs, preparing participants for roles such as propulsion systems engineers, UAV specialists, and energy performance analysts in the aerospace and related industries.
Electric propulsion course for UAVs
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 2
780 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Comprehensive Mastery of Electric Propulsion in Drones: Design, Optimization and Performance
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Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion Applied to Drones: You will understand the basic principles of electric propulsion, including motors, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), and batteries, specifically applied to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
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Design and Selection of Propulsion Systems: You will learn to select and size the components of an optimal electric propulsion system for different types of drones, considering factors such as weight, range, efficiency, and performance.
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Aerodynamic and Performance Optimization: You will delve into aerodynamic optimization techniques and drone performance, including propeller selection, airframe design, and power management to maximize efficiency and range.
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Systems Integration and Flight Control: You will gain knowledge about integrating the electric propulsion system with drone flight control systems, including ESC calibration, flight parameter configuration, and route programming.
Performance Analysis and Simulation: You will learn to use simulation and analysis tools to evaluate the performance of electric propulsion systems, including predicting range, efficiency, and payload capacity.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: You will acquire practical skills in the maintenance and troubleshooting of drone electric propulsion systems, including fault identification and resolution, calibration, and component replacement.
Regulatory and Safety: You will understand the regulatory and safety aspects related to the operation of electrically powered drones, including flight regulations, certification requirements, and safety best practices.
Emerging Trends and Technologies: You will explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in the field of electric propulsion for drones, including new battery technologies, motors, and energy management systems.
2. Propeller Performance Analysis and Improvement: Advanced Modeling for UAVs
- Master advanced propeller modeling and simulation.
- Evaluate propeller performance in complex flow environments.
- Apply optimization techniques to improve efficiency and performance.
- Analyze flap-lag-torsion, whirl flutter, and fatigue couplings.
- Dimension laminates in composites, joints, and bonded joints with FE.
- Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
- Use specialized software for propeller design and analysis.
- Understand the principles of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics applied to propellers.
- Identify and mitigate the effects of
- Vibration in propellers.
- Apply design methodologies for the manufacture of robust and durable propellers.
- Evaluate different materials and manufacturing processes for propellers.
- Analyze the behavior of propellers under extreme loads and adverse conditions.
- Develop skills in data analysis and the interpretation of simulation results.
- Learn about industry regulations and standards in propeller design.
- Apply the acquired knowledge in practical projects for the design and analysis of propellers for UAVs.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Modeling and Simulation of Rotational Performance in UAVs
- Master the analysis of key aeromechanical interactions: flap–lag–torsion, crucial for rotor stability and control.
- Identify and mitigate the risks associated with whirl flutter, a vibrational instability phenomenon.
- Evaluate the fatigue resistance of rotational components to ensure durability.
- Apply dimensioning techniques for composite material structures, including laminates.
- Use finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the behavior of composites, structural joints, and bonded joints.
- Optimize component design to withstand specific loads and operating conditions.
- Apply damage tolerance methodologies to evaluate the damage tolerance of structures.
- Implement non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as UT (ultrasound), RT (radiography), and thermography for inspection.
- Use NDT for the early detection of defects and the evaluation of structural integrity.
5. Advanced Rotor Modeling: Analysis and Optimization for UAVs
- Gain a deeper understanding of rotor structural dynamics, evaluating flap-lag-torsion couplings and analyzing critical phenomena such as whirl flutter and fatigue to ensure structural integrity.
- Master the design and dimensioning of rotor structures made from composite materials, including detailed analysis of laminates, joints, and bonded joints using finite element (FE) methods to optimize strength and durability.
- Apply advanced damage tolerance methodologies and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography for early damage detection and to ensure the service life of rotor components.
6. Modeling and Optimization of Rotational Flow in UAVs: Advanced Design and Simulation
6. Rotational Flow Modeling and Optimization in UAVs: Advanced Design and Simulation
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the aerodynamic analysis of rotors and propellers.
- Modeling rotor-wake interaction and its impact on efficiency and stability.
- Optimizing rotor design to minimize energy consumption and noise.
- Simulating rotational flow phenomena, including blade tip effects and flow separation.
- Analyzing the influence of rotor design on UAV flight characteristics.
- Evaluating different airfoils and their performance under specific flight conditions.
- Implementing flight control techniques to mitigate vibrations and improve stability.
- Using specialized software for rotor design simulation and optimization.
Who this program is for:
Electric propulsion course for UAVs
- Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation Engineers, or similar graduates with an interest in electric propulsion for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Professionals working in the design, manufacturing (OEM), maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), consulting, or in technology centers dedicated to rotorcraft/eVTOLs.
- Experts in flight testing, certification, avionics, control, and systems dynamics seeking specialization in electric propulsion for UAVs.
- Regulators, personnel from aeronautical authorities, and professionals involved in the development and operation of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and eVTOLs who require knowledge of regulatory compliance related to electric propulsion systems.
Recommended Requirements: Basic knowledge of aerodynamics, systems control, and structures is required. A B2+ or C1 level of English (both spoken and written) is required. Bridging tracks are available for those who need to reinforce their prior knowledge.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
2.1 Fundamental Principles of Electric Propulsion in Drones
2.2 Propulsion Architectures: Motors, Controllers, and Batteries
2.3 Selection and Sizing of Electrical Components
2.4 Design of Power Supply and Distribution Systems
2.5 Integration of Electric Propulsion Systems in Drones
2.6 Aerodynamics and Airflow Concepts for Drones
2.7 Performance Optimization and Energy Efficiency
2.8 Electric Propulsion Simulation and Modeling Methods
2.9 Failure Analysis and Safety Measures
2.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
3.1 Fundamentals of Propellers for UAVs
3.2 Propeller Modeling and Analysis Theories
3.3 Propeller Design and Optimization Methods
3.4 Computational Simulation of Propellers
3.5 Propeller Performance Analysis Under Different Conditions
3.6 Propeller Selection and Adaptation to Specific UAVs
3.7 Impact of Propellers on Energy Efficiency
3.8 Performance Evaluation and Measurement Techniques
3.9 Materials and Manufacturing Considerations
3.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
4.1 Introduction to Rotors in UAVs
4.2 Fundamentals of Rotor Aerodynamics
4.3 Rotor Modeling and Analysis Theories
4.4 CFD Simulation and Analysis Techniques
4.5 Rotor Design Optimization
4.6 Performance Evaluation Under Different Conditions
4.7 Rotor Selection for Specific Applications
4.8 Impact on Flight Efficiency and Endurance
4.9 Structural Design Considerations
4.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
5.1 Introduction to Performance Modeling Rotational
5.2 Fundamentals of Rotational Dynamics in UAVs
5.3 Mathematical Modeling of Rotational Motion
5.4 Performance Simulation Under Different Conditions
5.5 Stability and Control Analysis
5.6 Optimization of Rotational Performance
5.7 Design and Selection of Control Systems
5.8 Integration of Rotational Performance into UAV Design
5.9 Simulation Tools and Software
5.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
6.1 Fundamentals of Advanced Rotor Modeling
6.2 Rotor Modeling Theories and Methods
6.3 CFD Simulation and Analysis of Rotors
6.4 Rotor Design Optimization
6.5 Performance Analysis Under Real-World Conditions
6.6 Design and Material Considerations
6.7 Impact on Flight Efficiency and Endurance
6.8 Control System Design
6.9 Modeling Tools and Software
6.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
7.1 Fundamentals of Rotational Flow in UAVs
7.2 Rotational Flow Theories and Fluid Dynamics
7.3 Advanced Flow Modeling and Simulation
7.4 Aerodynamic Design for Flow Optimization
7.5 Performance Analysis Under Different Conditions
7.6 Flow Control Techniques
7.7 Rotor Design Optimization
7.8 Impact on Efficiency and Noise
7.9 Simulation Tools and Software
7.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
8.1 Introduction to Rotor Modeling and Analysis
8.2 Fundamentals of Rotor Aerodynamics
8.3 Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
8.4 Rotor Design Optimization
8.5 Performance Analysis Under Different Conditions
8.6 Rotor Selection for Specific Applications
8.7 Impact on Efficiency and Flight Autonomy
8.8 Structural Design and Manufacturing Considerations
8.9 Modeling and Analysis Tools and Software
8.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
9.1 Rotor Modeling and Optimization
9.2 Performance Analysis in UAV Propulsion
9.3 Introduction to Propulsion in UAV Systems
9.4 Principles of Rotor Design and Optimization
9.5 Rotor Modeling and Simulation
9.6 Aerodynamic Performance Analysis
9.7 Rotor Selection and Design for UAVs
9.8 Impact on Efficiency and Autonomy
9.9 Design and Material Considerations
9.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
2.2 Propeller Modeling Principles for UAVs
3.2 Propeller Geometry: Design and Key Parameters
4.3 Blade Element Theory and Flow Analysis
5.4 Advanced Aerodynamic Modeling of Propellers
6.5 Propeller Simulation and Analysis Software
7.6 Optimizing Propeller Design for Efficiency
8.7 Performance Analysis: Thrust, Power, and Efficiency
9.8 Flow Effects on Propellers: Wakes and Vortices
20.9 Propeller Materials and Manufacturing for UAVs
22.20 Case Studies: Propeller Design and Analysis in Real-World Applications
3.3 Introduction to UAV Rotors: Types and Configurations
3.2 Key Rotor Design and Performance Parameters
3.3 Performance Evaluation Methodologies: Testing and Simulations
3.4 Rotor Design Optimization: Techniques and Tools
3.5 Sensitivity Analysis and Parametric Studies of Rotors
3.6 Advanced Aerodynamic Design of Rotors: Profiles and Geometry
3.7 Computational Modeling of Flow Around Rotors
3.8 Impact of Environmental Conditions on Rotor Performance
3.9 Strategies for Improving Efficiency and Reducing Noise in Rotors
3.30 Case Studies: Performance Analysis and Optimization of UAV Rotors
4.4 Fundamentals of Rotational Dynamics in UAVs
4.2 Modeling Rotational Systems: Principles and Applications
4.3 Airflow Simulation over Rotors
4.4 Force and Moment Analysis in Rotors
4.5 Propeller and Rotor Design for UAVs
4.6 Rotor Performance Optimization through Simulation
4.7 Flight and Stability Simulation of UAVs
4.8 Simulation Software and Tools for UAVs
4.9 Case Studies: UAV Simulation and Design
4.40 Evaluation of Results and Decision Making in UAV Design
5.5 Principles of Advanced Rotor Modeling: Theoretical Foundations and Applications in UAVs
5.5 Aerodynamic Design of Rotors: Airfoils, Selection, and Optimization
5.3 CFD Modeling of Rotors: Flow Simulation and Performance Analysis
5.4 Structural Modeling of Rotors: Materials, Strength, and Durability
5.5 Rotor Dynamics: Vibrations, Stability, and Control
5.6 Rotor Optimization: Optimization Methods, Software, and Tools
5.7 Rotor Noise Modeling: Noise Prediction and Reduction
5.8 Modeling Rotors in Windy Conditions: Analysis and Mitigation of Effects
5.9 Integrating Rotors into UAV Systems: Transmission and Propulsion Design
5.50 Case Studies: Applying Advanced Modeling to Different Types of UAVs
6.6 Introduction to aeronautical legislation and UAV regulations.
6.2 Conceptual UAV design: configuration and component selection.
6.3 Electric propulsion systems for UAVs: principles and components.
6.4 Selection and sizing of electric motors and propellers.
6.5 Building Management System (BMS) design.
6.6 UAV airframe and aerodynamic design.
6.7 Flight control and stability: basic concepts.
6.8 Integration of sensors and communication systems.
6.9 UAV design testing and validation.
6.60 Legal framework and regulatory compliance.
2.6 Introduction to propeller modeling: momentum theory and blade elements.
2.2 Aerodynamic propeller design: airfoil and parameter selection.
2.3 CFD propeller modeling: simulation and flow analysis. 2.4 Propeller Optimization: Numerical Methods and Algorithms
2.5 Propeller Performance Analysis: Thrust, Power, and Efficiency
2.6 Propeller-Engine Interaction Modeling
2.7 Propeller Vibration and Noise Analysis
2.8 Propeller Design and Manufacturing: Materials and Processes
2.9 Wind Tunnel Testing and Experimental Validation
2.60 Selection of Commercial and Custom Propellers
3.6 Operating Principles of UAV Rotors
3.2 Rotor Performance Analysis: Actuator Disc Theory
3.3 Aerodynamic Design of Rotor Blades: Profiles and Geometry
3.4 CFD Modeling of Rotors: Simulation and Flow Analysis
3.5 Rotor Optimization: Advanced Techniques and Strategies
3.6 Performance Analysis Under Different Flight Conditions
3.7 Rotor-Fuselage Interaction Modeling 3.8 Vibration and Noise Control in Rotors
3.9 Bench Testing and Experimental Validation
3.60 Selection and Adaptation of Commercial Rotors
4.6 Introduction to UAV System Simulation
4.2 Mathematical Modeling of Rotational Performance
4.3 Flight Simulation: Software and Tools
4.4 Flight Dynamics Analysis
4.5 Rotor-Aerodynamic Interaction Modeling
4.6 Disturbance Response Simulation
4.7 Stability and Controllability Analysis
4.8 Flight Trajectory Optimization
4.9 Simulation Validation with Experimental Data
4.60 Applications of Simulation in UAV Design
5.6 Review of Blade Element Theory
5.2 Propeller Modeling Using Finite Element Methods (FEM)
5.3 Rotor-flow interaction modeling.
5.4 Performance analysis under turbulent flow conditions.
5.5 Trailing edge and blade tip effect modeling.
5.6 Rotor response simulation to wind gusts.
5.7 Blade aeroelasticity analysis.
5.8 Rotor noise modeling.
5.9 Rotor design optimization using genetic algorithms.
5.60 Advanced model validation and calibration.
6.6 Introduction to rotational flow modeling: Navier-Stokes equations.
6.2 CFD simulation of flow around rotors.
6.3 Rotor wake analysis.
6.4 Rotor design for optimized performance.
6.5 Rotor-fuselage interaction simulation.
6.6 Wind speed influence analysis. 6.7 Design of Multiple Rotor Configurations
6.8 Simulation of Behavior Under Emergency Conditions
6.9 Optimization of Propulsion System Design
6.60 Practical Applications of Simulation
7.6 Rotor Performance Analysis: Blade Momentum Theory
7.2 Rotor-Flow Interaction Modeling
7.3 Rotor Wake Analysis and Impact
7.4 Rotor Design Optimization: Criteria and Methodologies
7.5 Performance Evaluation Under Different Flight Conditions
7.6 Vibration and Noise Modeling
7.7 Rotor Life and Reliability Analysis
7.8 Case Studies of Specific Rotors
7.9 Rotor Integration into UAV Design
7.60 Testing and Experimental Validation
8.6 Selection of Motors and Control Systems 8.2 Optimization of propulsion energy efficiency.
8.3 Rotor-motor interaction analysis.
8.4 Design of propulsion control systems.
8.5 Optimization of performance under different flight conditions.
8.6 Case studies of UAV propulsion systems.
8.7 System reliability and safety analysis.
8.8 Integration of the propulsion system into the UAV design.
8.9 Testing and experimental validation of the systems.
8.60 Future trends in UAV propulsion.
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).