Community-youth, Youth

NUS Aviation Club Goes To Germany!

22 Aug 2023
Text by Isaac Poh, NUS Aviation Club

Travel has long been touted as an experience that offers intangible benefits, defying quantification and measurement. While I had acknowledged this notion, truly comprehending it remained elusive — until I embarked on the NUS Aviation club’s academic trip to Munich, Germany. The trip provided me with invaluable experiences that deepened my understanding of the immeasurable advantages of travel.

Our journey commenced with visits to renowned aerospace-focused academic institutions in Germany, notably the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Universität Die Bundeswehr (UniBw). These prestigious establishments afforded us the unique opportunity to engage with researchers who were only a few years older than us. Through interacting with them, we delved into their specific research projects spanning a diverse range of topics, from rotor-wing blade structure strength to computer vision. More remarkably, we even had hands-on experiences partaking in some of their projects, immersing ourselves in their groundbreaking work.

Continuing our exploration, we gained exposure to the cutting-edge research and engineering endeavors of leading German aerospace companies. Notably, we visited Airbus’ Defence and Space center, as well as the German Aerospace Centre (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt or DLR). At Airbus, we were privileged to witness the Final Assembly Line (FAL) of the Eurofighter Typhoon—an exclusive glimpse into the complex processes involved in bringing such an advanced aircraft to service. Furthermore, DLR provided us with insights into pioneering aerospace research, including advanced flight simulation, motion sickness studies crucial for pilot assessment and treatment, and advancements in active wing flutter management, significantly enhancing the safety of future aircraft.

Moreover, the trip allowed us to delve into the rich history of the German Aerospace industry. Immersing ourselves in the Messerschmitt Museum, situated within the Airbus Defence and Space center, and the German Museum of Flight, we developed a profound appreciation for the industry’s growth and evolution. Witnessing the transformation from historical aircraft designs like the ME109 to contemporary models like the Panavia Tornado underscored the remarkable progress achieved over time.

Beyond the academic and industry aspects, our interactions with the German people offered a glimpse into their cultural beliefs. Their exceptional hospitality and unwavering emphasis on skill and expertise became evident through our firsthand experiences. This revelation proved to be the most significant takeaway from the trip, as it provided an insight into a facet of German culture that cannot be fully understood from textbooks alone.

Ultimately, this enlightening journey broadened my horizons, transcending the confines of Singapore and igniting my aspirations of working abroad. It revealed the intangible yet profound impact of travel, fuelling a deeper appreciation for the world beyond our immediate surroundings.