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Master'sDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

Master’s in Helicopter Mission Avionics and Systems Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in helicopter mission avionics and systems engineering, with 12 modules covering avionics architectures and data buses, navigation, communications, mission sensors, flight safety systems, HMI, DO-178C and DO-254 development, DO-160 qualification, ARP4754A integration and cybersecurity, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse helicopter avionics architectures.

02

Integrate navigation, communications and sensor systems.

03

Design effective human-machine interfaces.

04

Apply DO-178C and DO-254 in development.

05

Qualify equipment against environmental conditions.

06

Integrate systems according to ARP4754A and ARP4761.

07

Manage avionics cybersecurity and life cycle.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Avionics engineers working on helicopter cockpits and mission systems.
  • Aeronautical software engineers developing to DO-178C.
  • Mission systems integration engineers fitting sensors and equipment to rotorcraft.
  • Certification engineers preparing modifications and supplemental type certificates.
  • Human factors engineers designing cockpit and operator interfaces.
  • Aviation cybersecurity engineers applying DO-326A.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the aerospace industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • RTCA DO-178C (software considerations in airborne systems certification)
  • RTCA DO-254 (design assurance for airborne electronic hardware)
  • RTCA DO-160G (environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment)
  • SAE ARP4754A (guidelines for development of civil aircraft and systems)
  • SAE ARP4761 (guidelines for the safety assessment of airborne systems)
  • RTCA DO-326A (airworthiness security process specification)
  • ARINC 653 (avionics application software standard interface)
  • CS-29 (EASA certification specifications for large rotorcraft)
  • SCADE Suite (Ansys)
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • VectorCAST
  • LDRA
  • Wind River VxWorks 653
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Evolution of helicopter avionics
  2. 1.2Glass cockpits
  3. 1.3Integrated modular avionics
  4. 1.4Rotorcraft-specific requirements
  5. 1.5Vibration and environmental conditions
  6. 1.6Civil and state missions
  7. 1.7Regulatory framework
  8. 1.8Ethics and responsible use of sensors
  9. 1.9Technology trends
  10. 1.10Case study: analysis of the cockpit of a public service helicopter
  1. 2.1Federated and integrated architectures
  2. 2.2ARINC 429
  3. 2.3MIL-STD-1553B
  4. 2.4AFDX and deterministic Ethernet
  5. 2.5ARINC 653 and partitioning
  6. 2.6Integrated modular avionics
  7. 2.7Redundancy and fault tolerance
  8. 2.8Mission data management
  9. 2.9FACE open architectures
  10. 2.10Lab: ARINC 429 traffic analysis
  1. 3.1Inertial navigation
  2. 3.2GNSS and augmentation
  3. 3.3GNSS/INS integration
  4. 3.4Performance-based navigation (PBN)
  5. 3.5Helicopter approaches (PinS)
  6. 3.6Flight management systems
  7. 3.7Navigation in degraded environments
  8. 3.8GNSS integrity and vulnerability
  9. 3.9Certification of navigation systems
  10. 3.10Practical: GNSS/INS Kalman filter
  1. 4.1VHF and UHF radio
  2. 4.2Satellite communications
  3. 4.3Data links
  4. 4.4TETRA public safety communications
  5. 4.5Intercom and audio
  6. 4.6Communications interoperability
  7. 4.7Spectrum management
  8. 4.8Link cybersecurity
  9. 4.9Certification
  10. 4.10Case study: communications architecture of an emergency helicopter
  1. 5.1Electro-optical turrets
  2. 5.2Infrared cameras
  3. 5.3Weather and search radars
  4. 5.4Automatic identification systems (AIS)
  5. 5.5Searchlights
  6. 5.6Cargo hook and hoist
  7. 5.7Obstacle detection sensors
  8. 5.8Sensor fusion
  9. 5.9Privacy and civil use of sensors
  10. 5.10Lab: data fusion of search sensors
  1. 6.1HTAWS terrain awareness warning systems
  2. 6.2TCAS collision avoidance systems
  3. 6.3Obstacle and wire detection
  4. 6.4Synthetic and combined vision
  5. 6.5Enhanced vision systems
  6. 6.6Night vision goggles and cockpit compatibility
  7. 6.7Autopilot with SAR modes
  8. 6.8Flight recorders
  9. 6.9Health monitoring
  10. 6.10Practical: NVIS compatibility analysis of a cockpit
  1. 7.1Display design
  2. 7.2Flight symbology
  3. 7.3Workload management
  4. 7.4Helmet-mounted displays
  5. 7.5HOTAS controls
  6. 7.6Mission operator interfaces
  7. 7.7Usability evaluation
  8. 7.8Human factors in night flying
  9. 7.9Certification of interfaces
  10. 7.10Case study: evaluation of an operator console
  1. 8.1DO-178C life cycle
  2. 8.2Design assurance levels
  3. 8.3Requirements and traceability
  4. 8.4Verification and structural coverage
  5. 8.5DO-330 qualified tools
  6. 8.6DO-331 model-based development
  7. 8.7DO-333 formal methods
  8. 8.8Reusable software
  9. 8.9Configuration management
  10. 8.10Lab: verification plan for level C software
  1. 9.1DO-254 hardware development
  2. 9.2COTS components
  3. 9.3DO-160 environmental testing
  4. 9.4Electromagnetic compatibility
  5. 9.5Avionics thermal management
  6. 9.6Lightning protection
  7. 9.7Electronics reliability
  8. 9.8Obsolescence
  9. 9.9Equipment qualification
  10. 9.10Practical: DO-160 test plan for a unit
  1. 10.1ARP4754A process
  2. 10.2ARP4761 safety assessment
  3. 10.3Bench integration
  4. 10.4Modifications and supplemental type certificates
  5. 10.5Weight and balance
  6. 10.6Ground and flight testing
  7. 10.7Interface management
  8. 10.8Compliance documentation
  9. 10.9Lessons from programmes
  10. 10.10Workshop: functional hazard analysis of mission equipment
  1. 11.1DO-326A aviation cybersecurity
  2. 11.2EASA information security requirements
  3. 11.3Vulnerability management
  4. 11.4Software updates
  5. 11.5Mission data management
  6. 11.6Avionics maintenance
  7. 11.7Cockpit upgrades
  8. 11.8Export control
  9. 11.9Ethics and responsibility
  10. 11.10Case study: cybersecurity risk assessment of a data link
  1. 12.1Mission requirements
  2. 12.2Avionics architecture
  3. 12.3Sensor selection
  4. 12.4Interface design
  5. 12.5Safety analysis
  6. 12.6Certification plan
  7. 12.7Integration plan
  8. 12.8Conclusions
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SCADE Suite (Ansys), MATLAB/Simulink, VectorCAST, LDRA and Wind River VxWorks 653, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for DO-178C aeronautical software verification, mission sensor integration and DO-160 environmental testing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: RTCA DO-178C, RTCA DO-254, RTCA DO-160G, SAE ARP4754A, SAE ARP4761, RTCA DO-326A, ARINC 653 and CS-29.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of RTCA DO-178C, DO-254 and DO-160G applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:SCADE Suite (Ansys), MATLAB/Simulink, VectorCAST, LDRA and Wind River VxWorks 653, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a complete helicopter mission avionics project covering mission requirements, avionics architecture, sensor selection, interface design, safety analysis and certification and integration plans, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Avionics architecture
Define the avionics architecture and data buses for a mission helicopter.
Navigation and sensor fusion
Implement a GNSS/INS Kalman filter and fuse search sensor data.
Software and hardware assurance
Prepare a DO-178C verification plan and a DO-160 test plan.
Safety and integration
Carry out a functional hazard analysis of mission equipment and plan its integration.
Master's Thesis
Develop a complete helicopter mission avionics project, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Avionics engineerAeronautical software engineerMission systems integration engineerCertification engineerHuman factors engineerAviation cybersecurity engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with SCADE Suite (Ansys), MATLAB/Simulink, VectorCAST, LDRA and Wind River VxWorks 653, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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