About us
Advanced VTOL Technologies (AVT) is an Australian owned Aerospace company providing specialist engineering services since 1997.
Our background
A world leader in flight sciences and technology
AVT was founded in 1998 in Melbourne, Australia to provide engineering consulting services. AVT has provided a broad range of specialist engineering services in the areas of flight dynamics and handling qualities, helicopter-ship interface simulation, helicopter slung loads simulation and UAV flight test and analysis. As a consultancy AVT can provide specialist engineers and scientists to meet the most demanding tasks in both defence and private sectors.
Consulting services
Since its inception, we have provided many highly skilled personnel in the areas of aerospace engineering, software engineering and human factors. Support has been provided for operational analysis, helicopter dynamics, helicopter-ship dynamics, simulation fidelity assessment, human in the loop simulation, computer simulation graphics, software engineering, computational fluid dynamics, human factors research and experimental research and flight test.
Helicopter-ship
AVT has previously provided specialised skills in helicopter-ship dynamic interface simulation for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and was responsible for the development and maintenance of the OnDeck simulation software. We have provided analysis and modelling services to the ADF, Danish Navy, Swedish Navy and New Zealand Navy as well as NATO. AVT also has skills in developing ship motion models as well as conducting validation trials.
Flight dynamics
Our core capability in flight dynamics includes modelling & simulation, control, performance, testing and data analysis. We have a sound working knowledge of complex simulation software having developed numerous flight dynamic models of aeroplanes, rockets, helicopters, UAVs and maritime platforms. We have extensive experience in aerodynamic load prediction, control system architecture, multi-body dynamics, CFD analysis, system identification, optimisation, flight data reconstruction and validation & verification techniques. Much of this work is underpinned by flight test involvement, including First of Class Flight Trials (FOCFT) and deck trials.
Key people
Our directors
David Howe BEng (Aero), MEng (Aero)
Managing Director
David Howe completed his Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at RMIT University in 1994 and a Masters in Aerospace Engineering in 1998 in the area of inverse aircraft loads estimation using optimisation and finite element modelling techniques. In 1994 David worked for ASTA Aircraft Services designing repairs for Boeing aircraft. During 1995, he performed air system modelling contract support for the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DST). Since 1997 David has worked as a consultant engaged in high fidelity non-linear dynamic modelling of helicopters on ships as well as helicopter flight simulation handling qualities fidelity assessment. He has gained experience in the development of ship simulation models and more recently been responsible for the development of a new high fidelity helicopter – slung load simulation capability. In 2005, he led the development of a real time simulation tool, the Maritime Helicopter Aid (MHA) as part of a Commonwealth sponsored Capability Technology Program (CTD). This was successfully developed and tested. David has led the development of the Hammerhead VTOL and V22 UAV platforms and is the lead engineer for the Sea Harrier FA2 return to flight and Harrier T4 programs.
Rob Curtin BEng (Aero), MSc (Flight Dynamics)
Director / Head of Aerospace Systems
Rob Curtin served as an aeronautical engineering officer and flight test engineer in the RAAF and has worked on developmental aerospace programmes within defence and commercial industry. Over many years he has supported the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group in the area of aerospace modelling, control, simulation, test and analysis. Rob is currently AVT’s Head of Aerospace Systems and serves on the board as an executive director. His technical interests include system identification, flight control, flying qualities and performance for all types of piloted and autonomous flight vehicle.