Instructor: Ray Taghavi

Ray Taghavi
Biography: Dr. Ray Taghavi is "John E. and Winifred E. Sharp Professor" & Associate Chair of the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Kansas. He teaches and conducts research in jet propulsion, rocket propulsion, aircraft reciprocating engines, fluid mechanics, aircraft aerodynamics, and advanced experimental techniques. Before joining the KU Faculty in 1991, he was a research engineer at NASA John Glenn Research Center, conducting experimental research on supersonic jet noise reduction techniques, acoustic excitation of free shear layers, and stability and control of swirling flows. He is the co-inventor and patent holder for a "supersonic vortex generator" and a "Novel Air Data Sensor with Power Scavenge System" for subsonic aircraft. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA). Dr. Taghavi has been the recipient of the Abe M. Zarem Educator Award from AIAA, the Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award from SAE, the John E. and Winifred E. Sharp Award from the KU School of Engineering (twice), Henry E. Gould Award from the KU School of Engineering, and is a four-time winner of the Aerospace Engineering Outstanding Educator Award from the graduating seniors of the department. Dr. Taghavi has received his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1988.

Course taught by this instructor:
Propulsion Systems for UAVs and General Aviation Aircraft

Classes by this instructor


This course studies the basic principles of propulsion systems with emphasis on jets and fan systems. It also includes the study of inlets and nozzles, compressors, burners, fuels, turbines and jets culminating in design and off-design engine analysis, performance and environmental considerations. The impact of propulsion system integration on external aerodynamics and (noise and IR) signature reduction is also presented, along with an introduction to novel concepts in propulsion.
September 8-12, 2025, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art propulsion issues specific to UAVs and general aviation aircraft, including propulsion options, cycle analysis, principles of operation, systems, components, performance and efficiencies.
May 19-23, 2025, BEST Conference Center