Colin Britcher

Colin Britcher is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University (ODU), affiliated with NASA Langley and the National Institute of Aerospace. He has held roles including Deputy Director for Education at AIAA Region I and led the Center for Experimental Aeronautics. His research focuses on wind tunnel test techniques, magnetic suspension systems, and experimental aerodynamics, with applications to planetary entry capsules and drone stability.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Southampton University (1983)
• B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, University of Southampton (1978)

Research Interests:

• Wind tunnel design and dynamic stability testing
• Magnetic suspension systems for aerodynamic measurements
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and propeller aerodynamics
• Boundary layer effects and flowfield analysis

His recent work includes developing wind tunnel techniques for multi-rotor drones and planetary entry vehicles, as well as textbook authorship on wind tunnel design.

Grants & Awards:

• $1.04M Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering grant (2023)
• Leadership in $355K NIA Director of Graduate Programs role (2014–2017)
• 2004 NASA Honorary Superior Accomplishment Award
• 1995 NASA Turning Goals into Reality (TIGR) Award

Labs & Collaborations:

• Collaborates with NASA Langley on magnetic suspension systems
• Developed the NASA/ODU 6-inch Magnetic Suspension and Balance System (MSBS)