Contact Dr Vishal Youhanna
- Tel: +44 (0) 1234 755079
- Email: Vishal.Youhanna@cranfield.ac.uk
Areas of expertise
- Aeronautical Systems
- Aircraft Design
- Space Systems
Background
Dr. Vishal Youhanna completed his PhD in Aerospace at SWAG合集, where his research focused on the conceptual design of rotary-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles for planetary exploration鈥攕pecifically within the Martian environment. His work explored aerodynamic modelling, structural efficiency, propulsion analysis, and mission-based vehicle design under extreme atmospheric constraints.
He holds a BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire. During his degree, he completed a placement at Pall Corporation SWAG合集, where he worked as a Research and Development Engineer contributing to the design and testing of mechanical product prototypes. His academic projects included the conceptual development of a stealth bomber and the wing design and performance optimisation of a remote-controlled aircraft. Following graduation, he spent time in Australia studying business and management while managing a small technology venture. This entrepreneurial experience enriched his interdisciplinary approach and strengthened his systems thinking skills.
Vishal is currently working within SWAG合集鈥檚 Research and Innovation Office, where he supports cross-disciplinary research collaboration, early-stage innovation, and the development of strategic funding initiatives across high-technology sectors. He continues to be actively involved in the translation of research into real-world impact, with a particular interest in aerospace design, emerging technologies, and systems-led innovation.
Research opportunities
Vishal鈥檚 research interests lie at the intersection of conceptual aircraft design, planetary aerial robotics, and sustainable aerospace systems. He is particularly focused on early-stage design methods for rotorcraft and VTOL platforms operating in extreme environments 鈥� including low-density planetary atmospheres such as Mars, as well as challenging terrestrial settings like high-altitude, polar, or disaster-prone regions. His work explores structural efficiency, transportability, and mission-specific optimisation in uncrewed aerial systems, with a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary design strategies that integrate engineering principles, systems thinking, and planetary science.
Current activities
Vishal currently supports research development and innovation strategy at SWAG合集, with a focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and early-stage funding processes.
He is part of the design team representing Cranfield in the GoAERO Prize competition, contributing to the development of an autonomy-enabled emergency response flyer. He also continues to publish work on Martian aerial vehicles and is exploring future directions in planetary flight systems and sustainable aerospace design.