HAPS Stratospheric Drone Course
About our
The HAPS Stratospheric Drone Course explores the design, operation, and applications of HAPS (High Altitude Platform Stations), high-altitude platforms that operate in the stratosphere. It focuses on drone technology, aerospace engineering, and wireless communications. The course covers systems design, navigation and control, radio spectrum management, and data analysis, offering comprehensive training for professionals in the fields of global connectivity, Earth observation, and telecommunications. The program focuses on sensor integration, aviation safety, and regulation, preparing participants to meet the challenges of HAPS implementation. Hands-on experience in flight simulations and performance analysis is provided. This course is essential for engineers, technicians, and professionals interested in the future of drone technology and aerospace applications.
HAPS Stratospheric Drone Course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 3
699 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Mastery of the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Stratospheric HAPS Drones
Understand the aerodynamics and design of high-altitude aircraft (HAPS).
Master the principles of aerostatics and stratospheric stability.
Apply advanced structural design techniques for HAPS.
Analyze flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter, and fatigue.
Dimension laminates in composites, joints, and bonded joints using FE.
Implement damage tolerance and non-destructive testing (NTT) (UT/RT/thermography).
Study efficient propulsion systems for the stratosphere, including solar power.
Learn about the operation and control of autonomous flight in high-altitude environments.
Manage the preventive and corrective maintenance of HAPS drones.
Explore the applications of HAPS drones in Earth observation, communications, and security.
2. In-depth Analysis: Modeling and Performance of Rotating Systems for Stratospheric Drones
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Study the complex aerodynamic and structural phenomena that affect the rotating systems of stratospheric drones.
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Identify and evaluate critical vibration modes, such as flap-lag-torsion, whirl flutter, and the impact of fatigue on rotating components.
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Apply finite element (FE) modeling techniques to simulate the behavior of laminates in composites, including the design of joints and bonded joints.
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Understand and apply damage tolerance strategies for evaluating the structural integrity of rotating systems.
- Implement and analyze non-destructive testing (NDT) data, such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography, for the inspection and evaluation of components.
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. Precise Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Rotors for HAPS Drones
- Delve into the analysis of complex interactions in rotors, including flap-lag-torsion couplings, crucial for stability.
- Evaluate aerodynamic instability phenomena such as whirl flutter and analyze their impact on design and safety.
- Study the fatigue resistance of materials and design rotors that meet long-term durability requirements.
- Master the dimensioning process for laminated structures made of composite materials, optimizing strength and weight.
- Design and analyze structural and bonded joints using the Finite Element (FE) technique, ensuring structural integrity.
- Apply the Concepts of damage tolerance in design, anticipating and managing potential damage to components.
Use non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiography (RT), and Thermography for the inspection and evaluation of rotors.
5. Advanced Exploration: Modeling and Efficiency of Rotors for HAPS
- Master the analysis of complex aeroelastic couplings: flap-lag-torsion, whirl flutter, and the effects of fatigue on rotors.
- Apply advanced dimensioning techniques for laminated structures in composite materials, including the design of joints and bonded joints, using finite element (FE) analysis.
- Integrate damage tolerance methodologies and apply non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography for structural integrity assessment.
6. Rotor Optimization and Evaluation: Modeling and Performance in HAPS Drones
6. **Rotor Optimization and Evaluation: Modeling and Performance in HAPS Drones**
Understand complex aerodynamic phenomena and interactions that influence the design of high-performance rotors.
Analyze vibration modes and critical structural stability.
Evaluate rotor response to dynamic and environmental loads.
Study the influence of design variables on rotor performance.
Apply modeling and simulation techniques to optimize the design.
Understand failure mechanisms and mitigation strategies.
Apply the principles of mechanics of materials and elasticity theory to the design.
Analyze flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter, and fatigue.
Who this program is for:
HAPS Stratospheric Drone Course
- Engineers with degrees in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation, or related fields.
- Experts in Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of rotorcraft/eVTOLs, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Organizations, consulting firms, and technology research centers.
- Specialists in Flight Testing, aeronautical certification, avionics, control systems, and flight dynamics seeking to deepen their knowledge.
- Representatives of regulatory bodies/authorities and professionals involved in the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM)/eVTOL professionals who wish to gain experience in regulatory compliance.
Recommended qualifications: Basic knowledge of aerodynamics, control systems, and structures is suggested. Fluency in Spanish (ES) and/or English (EN) at a minimum level of B2+/C1 is required. Bridging tracks are available for those who require them.
- 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. 1.1 Fundamentals of HAPS Drones: Definition, Types, and Strategic Applications
3. 1.2 Global Regulatory Framework: Aeronautical Regulations and Their Impact on HAPS
4. 1.3 Authorizations and Certifications: Navigating the Regulatory Process for HAPS Drones
5. 1.4 Design Principles of HAPS Aircraft: Specific Considerations and Challenges
6. 1.5 Key Technologies in HAPS: Flight Platforms, Propulsion Systems, and Payloads
7. 1.6 Safe and Efficient Operations: Flight Planning, Air Traffic Control, and Risk Management
8. 1.7 The Future of HAPS: Technological Trends, Innovations, and Emerging Opportunities
2.2 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applied to Rotors
2.2 Rotor Momentum Theory and Blade Elements
2.3 Aerodynamic Design of Airfoils for HAPS Rotors
2.4 Rotor Performance Analysis: Thrust, Power, Efficiency
2.5 Modeling of Blade Load Distribution
2.6 Effects of Altitude and Atmosphere on Rotor Performance
2.7 Selection and Design of Electric Motors for Rotors
2.8 Rotor Vibration and Stability Analysis
2.9 Composite Materials and Their Application in HAPS Rotors
2.20 Simulation and Analysis of Operational Scenarios
3.3 Design and Principles of Rotors for HAPS Drones
3.2 Rotor Aerodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications in HAPS
3.3 Structure and Materials of Rotors for HAPS Drones
3.4 Load Analysis and Structural Design of Rotors
3.5 Flight Control Systems for Rotors in HAPS
3.6 Modeling and Simulation of Rotor Performance
3.7 Selection and Optimization of Rotors for Different HAPS Missions
3.8 Design for Manufacturing and Assembly of Rotors
3.9 Maintenance and Repair of HAPS Rotors
3.30 Case Studies: Real-World Examples of HAPS Rotor Design
4.4 Fundamentals of Aerodynamic Modeling of HAPS Rotors
4.2 Key Parameters in HAPS Rotor Design: Analysis and Selection
4.3 Computational Dynamics (CFD) Modeling Applied to HAPS Drone Rotors
4.4 Performance Analysis: Thrust, Power, and Efficiency in HAPS Rotors
4.5 Evaluation of the Influence of the Stratospheric Environment on Performance
4.6 Rotor Design Optimization: Techniques and Strategies
4.7 Performance Evaluation Methodologies Under Real Operating Conditions
4.8 Simulation Tools and Software for HAPS Rotor Modeling
4.9 Experimental Validation: Wind Tunnel Tests and Flight Tests
4.40 Sensitivity and Robustness Analysis in Rotor Design
5. Design, Operation, and Maintenance of HAPS:
5.5 Introduction to HAPS: Types, Applications, and Future.
5.5 Conceptual Design and Material Selection.
5.3 Propulsion and Energy Systems: Solar, Batteries, and Fuels.
5.4 Flight Control and Navigation Systems.
5.5 Operation and Mission Planning of HAPS.
5.6 Preventive and Corrective Maintenance.
5.7 Safety Considerations and Regulatory Compliance.
5.8 Sensors and Payload: Integration and Optimization.
5.9 Communication and Data Link.
5.50 Case Study: Design and Operation of a HAPS.
5. Modeling and Performance of Rotating Systems:
5.5 Fundamentals of Rotational Aerodynamics.
5.5 Rotor Modeling: Blade Element Theory and Vorticity Analysis.
5.3 Rotor Performance Analysis: Thrust, Power, and Efficiency … 5.4 Induced Airflow Modeling
5.5 Airfoil Selection and Design
5.6 Scaling Effects and Corrections
5.7 Rotor Vibration and Dynamics Analysis
5.8 Drive System Modeling
5.9 Numerical Simulation and Model Validation
5.50 Software Applications: Rotor Analysis and Design
3. HAPS Rotor Engineering and Analysis:
3.5 Structural Design of Rotor Blades
3.5 Composite Materials and Manufacturing Techniques
3.3 Stress and Strain Analysis
3.4 Stability and Aeroelasticity Analysis
3.5 Rotor Control System Design
3.6 Rotor Dynamics Modeling and Simulation
3.7 Folding and Unfolding Mechanism Design
3.8 Failure and Reliability Analysis 3.9 Wind Tunnel Testing and Validation
3.50 Rotor Integration into the HAPS Platform
4. Modeling and Evaluation of HAPS Rotors:
4.5 CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Modeling for Rotors
4.5 Transient and Steady Flow Simulation
4.3 Flow Separation and Leading Edge Effects Analysis
4.4 Rotor Efficiency Evaluation Under Different Flight Conditions
4.5 Rotor Design Optimization for Different Missions
4.6 Noise and Vibration Analysis
4.7 Design and Analysis of Cyclic and Collective Pitch Control Systems
4.8 Validation of CFD Models with Experimental Data
4.9 Noise and Vibration Reduction Techniques
4.50 Software Tools for Modeling and Evaluation
5. HAPS Rotor Modeling and Efficiency:
5.5 Advanced Aerodynamic Modeling: Blade Tip and Wake Effects
5.5 Rotor Energy Efficiency Analysis
5.3 Rotor Design for Maximum Endurance
5.4 Airfoil Optimization for High Performance
5.5 Surface Effect Modeling and Analysis
5.6 Simulation of Extreme Atmospheric Conditions
5.7 Rotor Design for Different Flight Regimes
5.8 Efficiency Analysis in Windy Conditions
5.9 Optimization Techniques and Sensitivity Analysis
5.50 Case Studies: Improving Efficiency in HAPS Rotors
6. HAPS Rotor Optimization and Performance:
6.5 Rotor Design Optimization Techniques
6.5 Optimization Algorithms and Global Search 6.3 Design optimization for different performance objectives.
6.4 Analysis of trade-offs between performance, weight, and cost.
6.5 Performance optimization under specific mission conditions.
6.6 Modeling and optimization of rotor control systems.
6.7 Design optimization to minimize noise and vibration.
6.8 Experimental validation of optimized designs.
6.9 Case studies: rotor performance optimization.
6.50 Software tools for rotor optimization.
7. HAPS Rotor Modeling and Optimization:
7.5 Review of rotor models: BEM, CFD, etc.
7.5 Advanced modeling techniques: wake, tip effects.
7.3 Design of experiments (DOE) for optimization.
7.4 Multi-objective optimization methodology.
7.5 Sensitivity and robustness analysis. 7.6 Application of genetic algorithms and gradient methods.
7.7 Performance degradation modeling.
7.8 Optimization for endurance and payload.
7.9 Case studies: optimized rotor designs.
7.50 Validation of optimization results.
8. HAPS Rotor Performance Modeling and Analysis:
8.5 Review of the principles of rotational aerodynamics.
8.5 Modeling of blade elements and momentum theory.
8.3 Modeling of induced airflow and vortex effects.
8.4 Rotor performance analysis: thrust, power, efficiency.
8.5 Evaluation of the influence of rotor design on overall platform performance.
8.6 High-fidelity modeling techniques (CFD).
8.7 Simulation of rotor performance under different flight conditions.
8.8 Sensitivity analysis and optimization of rotor performance. 8.9 Case studies and practical examples.
8.50 Software tools and practical applications.
6.6 Conceptual Design and Optimization of Rotors for HAPS
6.2 Advanced Aerodynamic Modeling of Rotors for HAPS
6.3 Structural and Vibration Analysis of HAPS Rotors
6.4 Material Selection and Optimization for HAPS Rotors
6.5 Control and Stability Systems for HAPS Rotors
6.6 Rotor Integration and Performance Evaluation in the HAPS System
6.7 Design of Efficient Propulsion Systems for HAPS
6.8 Cost and Life Cycle Analysis of HAPS Rotors
6.9 Regulatory and Certification Considerations for HAPS Rotors
6.60 Case Studies and Practical Applications of HAPS Rotor Optimization
- 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”).