Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (DUBAI)
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is showcasing student-led aerospace, aviation, and space-technology projects developed through hands-on learning and faculty mentorship at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
More than a thousand HCT students are also attending the airshow this week, gaining direct exposure to real-world aviation environments while engaging with industry experts and showcasing their work.
A standout display at the HCT stand was a fully functional pneumatic aircraft landing-gear model, 3D-printed and assembled on campus by a student team.
The project demonstrates key landing-gear components, including the oleo strut, scissor link, pneumatic compressor, regulator, flow-control valves, and rotary actuator. What sets it apart is its wireless integration: the landing gear can be extended and retracted via Bluetooth using a mobile phone, allowing students to run landing-gear tests without requiring a cockpit operator.
Explaining the system, Abdallah Mohamed, a member of the project, said: “Our project is a landing-gear control system that eliminates the need for a cockpit person or someone outside to check the swing test. We built a control mechanism that includes a pneumatic compressor, regulator, shut-off valve, exhaust valves, flow-control valves and a 5-way valve. The movement is controlled by a rotary actuator, and the mobile app shows the gear position - green when locked, red when unlocked.”
The model functions both as an educational tool and a real demonstration platform for aircraft-systems students.
Another project at the stand was a lightweight, 3D-printed RC aircraft inspired by sixth-generation fighter concepts. Presented by Aircraft Maintenance Engineering student Ali Ibrahim Al-Hammadi on behalf of his team, the project integrates an Electric Ducted Fan (EDF), a brushless motor, and a 4S electrical system.
“Our goal as students of HCT is that we want to see a fighter aircraft that is created in the UAE,” Ibrahim said.
Dr Syed Aftab, Professor in Engineering Technology & Science at HCT and project mentor for both teams, highlighted the depth of skill demonstrated in both projects.
“The students have worked extremely hard to obtain skills of 3D printing, manufacturing and assembly, along with the integration of electronics and different systems,” he said.
Dr Aftab noted that this experience contributes to the students professional growth: “The students will be well-versed with various existing and new technologies and they will be future-ready to work with AI and drones, as part of the UAE’s Vision 2030.”
