Ilias Lappas

Ilias Lappas is a Senior Lecturer in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of South Wales, affiliated with the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science. He serves as Course Leader for the BEng/MEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering programs. Prior to academia, he held professional roles in aircraft operations and support within a military environment (2000-2014). He is an External Examiner for Cranfield University's MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design course and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS). He holds a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)).

Education & Qualifications:

• Extensive professional experience in military aviation operations
• Advanced qualifications in aeronautical engineering disciplines
• Pilot licensing and flight experience

Research Interests: Focuses on flight mechanics, aircraft airworthiness, and lifecycle sustainment. Specializes in conceptual aircraft design optimization, including blended wing body (BWB) configurations and regional turboprop systems. Explores cost modeling for aircraft lifecycle management and future aviation workforce skill requirements. Active in advancing rocket propulsion energy systems through interdisciplinary research.

Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes BWB aircraft design optimization using flight simulators, environmental impact assessments for supersonic jets, and cost-per-flying-hour modeling for defense aircraft. Earlier research addressed rocket energy systems and maintenance optimization frameworks.

Awards:
• Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS)

Responsibilities & Grants: Leads undergraduate/graduate engineering programs and oversees curriculum development. Involved in external examinations and industry-academia collaboration initiatives. Research projects focus on sustainable aviation technologies and operational efficiency improvements.