Department of Aviation Science

ASCI 444 - Historical Applications in Aircraft Design

Texas A&M University - Central Texas offers a new upper-level accredited elective course that premiered in the fall 2006 semester. ASCI 444 Historical Applications in Aircraft Design is a course that explores the evolution, concepts and design aspects used in aircraft design, while also utilizing the study and construction of scale models from various historical periods. Models have traditionally and historically been utilized to better study and explore the aerodynamic qualities of full-scale aircraft airfoils and lifting devices. The class started in August 2006 with an initial enrollment of 24 aviation students. These students are juniors and seniors with aviation certificates ranging from Private to Certified Flight Instructor. This course was conducted in a lab environment with the class constructing one large-scale plastic model over the length of one semester.

Spring 2011

Spring 2010

Spring 2009

Spring 2008

Fall 2006

The model chosen for in the fall of 2006 was the Hasegawa 1/32 Bf109g6, as it was readily available for purchase and was an excellent choice for students of all experience levels to build. The “textbook” chosen for the course was the DVD by Master Class Model Building Videos “Building the Bf-109G-6, with Floyd Werner.” This DVD is presented in selected sequences and thoroughly utilized through the entire semester. The syllabus and calendar were created to begin the class with background information on the Messerschmitt Bf 109, and to facilitate the construction of the kit through 14 class periods. The class was furnished with the kit and numerous basic supplies to begin the project. Squadron MMD of Carrollton, Texas, sponsored the kit along with several basic supplies, and the students were given the options of purchasing additional materials needed to complete the model as prescribed in the Master Class video. Master Class Models donated several copies of the DVD to the Texas A&M University - Central Texas Library.

Kristina Trygstad

Laura Miner

Brian Logan

John Muschalek

Nick Morin

Andrew Bennett

Angel Newhart

Randall Whiddon

James Jones

Ernest Galvan

Chris Koehl

Steve Swift

The class responded very enthusiastically to the course. Many of the students shared supplies, ideas, techniques, and progressed well with the schedule in the syllabus. Model experience levels varied from beginner to expert. Topics covered were basic construction, seam filling and sanding, scribing panel lines, brush painting, airbrush techniques, casting parts with resin, installing electrical motors and lighting, vacuforming and display case construction. In addition, numerous designs and aerodynamic qualities unique to the Messerschmitt 109 aircraft were presented and discussed, especially those critical to its role in World War II.

The class ended with a model contest on the final meeting where the students compared and contrasted their efforts from the semester. Winners of the contest were Chris Koehl and Nick Morin.