David Rancourt

David Rancourt serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke since 2017. His academic journey includes prior roles as Lecturer at both Université de Sherbrooke (2008-2011) and CEGEP de Chicoutimi (2008-2011), followed by Research Assistant positions at Georgia Institute of Technology (2011-2016). His international collaborations include representing Sherbrooke at Georgia Tech for helicopter design research and presenting at conferences across Canada, USA, and France.

His educational background features a Doctorate (2016) and Master's in Aerospace Engineering (2012) from Georgia Institute of Technology, complemented by a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (2011) and Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (2008) from Université de Sherbrooke. Additional credentials include the International Space University Space Studies Program (2010).

Rancourt's research focuses on revolutionary aircraft architectures and propulsion systems, with particular emphasis on electric and hybrid propulsion technologies, tethered UAV payload systems, and helicopter load stabilization. His work bridges theoretical aerodynamics with practical engineering applications, targeting sustainable aviation solutions through innovations in VTOL systems, battery management for cold climates, and magnetorheological actuators for flight control. This research directly addresses industry challenges in emissions reduction and operational efficiency.

His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent advancement in aerospace engineering, with recent works centering on tethered UAV capabilities, hybrid-electric powertrain optimization, and novel VTOL architectures. The research shows increasing industry collaboration, particularly with Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and Hydro-Québec, reflecting practical applications of his theoretical work.

• Canadian Space Agency Quantum Magnetometer for Nanosatellite (2021)
• Best Paper Award, International Conference Living Machines
• Best Paper Award, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Discovery of the Year 2012, Québec Sciences
• Mérite Estrien, La Tribune
• Phare de la réussite, École secondaire des Chutes

Rancourt has successfully mentored numerous graduate students evident through asterisked co-authorships across 30+ publications. His substantial grant portfolio totaling over $6.5M includes major projects funded by NSERC, CRIAQ, and FRQNT, with recent focus on sustainable aviation technologies including battery thermal management for cold climates ($102,300), magnetorheological actuators for flight systems ($372,240), and collaborative UAV lifting systems ($678,000). His industry partnerships with CAE, Bombardier, and Hydro-Québec demonstrate strong technology transfer capabilities.

Through initiatives like the EPR2 VTOL concept and tethered payload motion control systems, Rancourt's research group actively develops practical solutions for next-generation aircraft. His leadership in organizing drone operation workshops and military helicopter demonstrations at Sherbrooke demonstrates commitment to practical education and industry-academia collaboration.