Student: Development of an Avionics System for a Morphing Wing UAS - Entwicklung, Forschung, IT

Welcome to the Institute of Flight Systems. Our work focuses on the interaction between aircraft configuration, pilots and modern flight system technology. From flight dynamics to unmanned aerial vehicles, from simulation to real flight tests - we analyse, test and develop innovations that will shape the flying of the future.

What to expect

The DLR research project UAdapt develops innovative technologies for adaptive unmanned aircraft systems. The PROTEUS research aircraft serves as a flying test platform for evaluating novel avionics, flight control, and morphing technologies under real flight conditions. The construction of an additional aircraft enables the parallel development and testing of new systems and provides the foundation for future flight test campaigns. Within this internship, you will contribute to the integration of the avionics system into a new PROTEUS research aircraft. Based on an existing high-level electrical schematic, you will design and manufacture mechanical and electrical components, integrate them into the aircraft, and document the complete installation. You will gain hands-on experience with modern flight control and avionics systems as well as their practical implementation in a research aircraft.

Your tasks

• Integrate the avionics system into a new PROTEUS research aircraft
• Design and manufacture wiring harnesses based on existing electrical schematics
• Design enclosures, mounting brackets, and other avionics components using CATIA
• Manufacture components using additive manufacturing techniques and perform the assembly and wiring of the avionics system
• Integrate sensors, actuators, as well as camera and radio communication systems
• Commission, test, and document the avionics installation

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Good knowledge of CATIA
• Experience with soldering techniques and additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing)
• Strong practical hands-on skills and enthusiasm for hardware development
• Experience with open-source autopilots and common hardware interfaces for sensors and actuators, particularly DroneCAN
• Independent and structured way of working

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.