Students in the Engineering department at Staffordshire expand their learning on educational and inspiring trips. Last month, Mechanical Engineering and Automotive and Motorsport Engineering students took an exclusive tour of the Mini Plant in Oxford. Whilst final year Aeronautical Engineering students went to Cranfield and were passengers aboard their Saab 340 flying testbed aircraft.
Touring the Mini Plant in Oxford
2nd Year Mechanical Engineering student Alexios found it helpful to observe how the car manufacturing industry works.
“The Mini plant in Oxford was amazing, I was really fascinated by all the robots that they used in the spot welding section of the factory (the one that they assemble the whole body of the car). I had seen a lot of photos from car manufacturing lines online but seeing it in person was something different”
Final year student Michael also found the trip helpful.
“Watching the robotics on such a large scale was fascinating. It helped me to underscore some of the theories in modules such as Manufacturing Technologies, Manufacturing Systems & Quality, and Automation & Control Engineering. It also highlights how humans and technology can interact on a large scale production plant.”
Aeronautical students visit Cranfield and experience the flying laboratory
Vinesh, a final year Aeronautical Engineering student participated in the testflight aboard the Saab 340 flying testbed.
“The Cranfield trip was an exciting one. We saw how the plane could handle different altitudes and speeds. It brings the whole class together and it also allows us to see for of the practical side. Seeing all the theory in person helps to connect that knowledge and the thoughts that we have.”
Vinesh added “My favourite part has to be where the pilot pitched the nose down quite fast. You like flew up in the air for 10 seconds! That was great fun. We knew it was coming, but it was still surprising.”
John, also in his final year of Aeronautical Engineering also found the plane banking from side to side the most exciting part of the trip “it's not something you're going to forget. I mean, I can't believe, literally a week ago now, I was probably up in the air.”