Khalifa University Aerospace Students Pioneering Innovation with ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator
Hands-On Simulator Experience Leads to New Research Projects, Conference Papers, and Advanced Design Innovations
Paris (France), 8th July 2025 – Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced major student and faculty achievements stemming from the use of ST Engineering Antycip’s Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator that provides hands-on experience in aircraft design and performance evaluation directly contributing to a growing body of student-led research and academic success.
Until the Spring 2025 semester, Aerospace Engineering students have utilized the Merlin MP521’s advanced capabilities to produce several conference papers, and research projects, with several projects being recognized at major events, highlighting Khalifa University’s growing impact in aerospace education and research. Many Aerospace Engineering students are currently using the simulator.
The flight simulator’s Excalibur III software, a real-time, non-linear simulation environment with six degrees of freedom, has enabled Khalifa University students to model and test a wide range of air vehicles from Gliders to Rockets, Fixed Wing and Fixed Wing VTOL to Multirotor Rotary Wing and Tilt Rotor.
MP521 Flight Simulator uses Merlin’s S-function driver interface, which provides a link to the Khalifa University linear Matlab/Simulink software. This capability has helped students and researchers develop control systems to interact with the Merlin real time Excalibur III real time non-linear flight application.
Dr. Rafic M. Ajaj, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, said: "The Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator has significantly enriched our aerospace curriculum, providing students with an advanced platform to apply their knowledge in flight dynamics, stability, and control. It supports both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, offering an interactive approach to learning that enhances understanding beyond traditional methods. Additionally, it has proven to be an invaluable tool for student research projects, such as the AIAA Design, Build and Fly competition, and has generated great enthusiasm during open day events."
Amir Khosh, Commercial Solutions Manager at Antycip, said: "We are thrilled that the Merlin MP521, installed in October 2023 at Khalifa University, continues to empower students with the tools they need to excel in aerospace engineering and prepare them for real-world challenges. By allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a dynamic, hands-on environment, the simulator bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the next generation of aerospace engineers.
The integration of the state-of-the-art Merlin MP521 simulator into its curriculum reinforces Khalifa University’s position as a leader in aerospace education, help to equip students with industry-relevant skills, and hands-on experience that will shape the future of aviation and aeronautical engineering.
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About Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, focuses on developing world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering and health science. The world-class university endeavors to be a catalyst to the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy as an education destination of choice and a global leader among widely acknowledged international universities.
For more information, please visit: http://www.ku.ac.ae/
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Antycip specialises in providing cutting-edge immersive simulation and virtual reality solutions to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defence, automotive, and academia. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Antycip is dedicated to empowering organisations with transformative technologies that drive success. For more information, visit https://steantycip.com.
About the Merlin MP521 Flight Simulator
The Merlin MP521 is a high-fidelity, single-seat simulator designed specifically for academic environments. With advanced visual systems and real-time simulation capabilities, it offers students practical experience in aircraft
design and performance testing. The MP521 is ideal for research, development, and education, providing a realistic platform to test and validate new aerospace concepts.
