NATO Standardisation Course in helicopter crashworthiness
Online 300-hour course in NATO standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness. 6 modules covering MIL-STD-1290A (impact resistance of rotary-wing aircraft), CS-29.561 and CS-29.562 (emergency landing conditions) and LS-DYNA. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the principles of impact survivability in helicopters.
Describe the civil and military impact resistance regulatory framework.
Design energy-absorbing structures and landing gear.
Specify seats and occupant restraint systems.
Apply requirements for impact-resistant fuel systems.
Simulate an impact scenario using explicit methods.
Develop an impact-resistant design project.
Who it's for
- Impact resistance engineer seeking to specialise in NATO Standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness.
- Helicopter structures engineer seeking to specialise in NATO Standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness.
- Explicit simulation engineer seeking to specialise in NATO Standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness.
- Restraint systems engineer seeking to specialise in NATO Standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness.
- Rotary-wing aircraft certification engineer seeking to specialise in NATO Standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness.
- Dynamic test technician seeking to specialise in NATO Standardisation in helicopter crashworthiness.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the aerospace industry.
What you'll work with
- MIL-STD-1290A (impact resistance of rotary-wing aircraft)
- CS-29.561 and CS-29.562 (emergency landing conditions)
- 14 CFR 29.952 (fuel system impact resistance)
- MIL-DTL-27422 (impact-resistant fuel tanks)
- SAE AS8049 (aircraft seats)
- MIL-S-58095 (impact-resistant crew seats)
- Aircraft Crash Survival Design Guide (USAAVSCOM TR 89-D-22)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Helicopter accidents and survivability1.2The concept of crashworthiness and its evolution1.3Impact pulses and the shock environment1.4Human tolerance to acceleration1.5Eiband diagrams and injury criteria1.6Habitable volume and occupant protection1.7Chained energy absorption: landing gear, structure and seat1.8History of the Aircraft Crash Survival Design Guide1.9Lessons from documented military accidents1.10Case study: analysis of an accident report
2.1MIL-STD-1290A impact resistance2.2NATO STANAGs and AEPs on crashworthiness2.3Relationship with EASA CS-27 and CS-292.4FAR 27.562 and 29.562 requirements2.5The NATO standardisation process2.6Organisation and committees of the NSO2.7NH90 and Tigre programme requirements2.8Military versus civil certification2.9Harmonisation between nations2.10Workshop: comparison of MIL-STD-1290A and CS-29 requirements
3.1Energy absorption in the landing gear3.2Oleo-pneumatic dampers and collapsible elements3.3Absorbent ground and subfloor structure3.4Composite materials and crash behaviour3.5Retention of heavy masses: rotor and transmission3.6Water impact and ditching3.7Controlled deformation zones3.8Fuel tank integrity3.9Crash-resistant fuel systems3.10Practice: energy balance of a vertical impact
4.1Energy-absorbing seats4.2Load limiters and available stroke4.3Harnesses and restraint systems4.4Spinal injuries and the DRI criterion4.5Airbags in helicopter cabins4.6Head protection and impacts against structure4.7Occupants with equipment and anthropometric variability4.8Dynamic seat testing4.9Anthropomorphic dummies and FAA Hybrid III4.10Laboratory: interpretation of a dynamic seat test
5.1Explicit impact simulation with finite elements5.2Material and failure models5.3Model validation through testing5.4Full fuselage drop tests5.5Component and substructure testing5.6Instrumentation and data acquisition5.7Certification by analysis supported by testing5.8Post-crash evacuation and survival5.9Post-impact fire resistance5.10Case study: test–simulation correlation
6.1Definition of the aircraft and its mission6.2Selection of applicable requirements6.3Design impact scenarios6.4Energy absorption strategy6.5Seat and restraint design6.6Design impact simulation6.7Validation test plan6.8Regulatory compliance matrix6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, MADYMO, HyperMesh, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real dynamic sled seat test procedures, fuselage impact simulation and fuel tank drop tests. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the principles of impact survivability in helicopters.
Describe the civil and military impact resistance regulatory framework.
Design energy-absorbing structures and landing gear.
Specify seats and occupant restraint systems.
Apply requirements for impact-resistant fuel systems.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, MADYMO, HyperMesh. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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