Air-Deployable Amphibious Vehicle Systems Engineering Assignment

Assignment Brief

Overview

The assignments are designed to build up your learning of systems engineering principles. Each assignment has a score contributing to the final score of your course. None of the assignments is a hurdle, i.e. you just need to accumulate sufficient pass marks to pass the course, or sufficient high marks to achieve distinction or high distinction

The assignments in this course are all based on the development of a so-called Capability Baseline for a new proposed “Air-Deployable Amphibious Vehicle” system (ADAV).

Australia has a unique natural environment which is a large continent and has long coastal areas, with numerous islands, abundant marine resources, many rivers and lakes. The land has many complex terrains and at great distances from the populated areas. These characteristics increase the difficulty for the authorities such as the defence force (army and marine), police and other law enforcement agencies to carry out border protection, surveillance, patrol, disastrous events, firefighting, rescue missions, secret operations, etc. From a broader perspective, Australia is frequently involved in international collaborative missi

It is also important that a similar capability is available for use in overseas deployment as well. The ADAV not only operates on land but also floats on water and can be deployed by air. The new system should achieve a perfect cohesion of land and sea operations, improve the manoeuvrability of the authorities and reduce geographical barriers for faster response to events.

Learning Outcomes

1. Needs, Context and Systems

   • 1.1. Describe, investigate and analyse complex engineering systems and associated issues (using systems thinking and modelling techniques)

2. Problem Solving and Design

   • 2.1. Develop creative and innovative solutions to engineering problems

   • 2.2. Anticipate the consequences of intended action or inaction and understand how the consequences are managed collectively by your organisation, project or team

3. Professional Practice

• 3.1. Initiate, plan, lead or manage engineering activities

• 3.2. Understand the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline

Sample Answer

Air-Deployable Amphibious Vehicle Systems Engineering Assignment

Australia’s unique geography presents significant challenges for operational authorities, including defence forces, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and environmental management teams. The continent spans vast distances, with densely populated urban areas separated by remote, rugged terrains. Its extensive coastline, numerous islands, and abundant waterways further complicate surveillance, border protection, disaster response, and rescue operations. These characteristics necessitate innovative solutions that integrate mobility, versatility, and rapid deployment capabilities across multiple environments. To address these operational requirements, the proposed Air-Deployable Amphibious Vehicle (ADAV) system aims to combine land, water, and air capabilities into a cohesive, multifunctional platform. The system is designed not only for domestic use but also for potential overseas deployment, thereby supporting multinational collaborative operations while enhancing the efficiency of Australia’s emergency and defence responses.

The ADAV system represents a complex engineering challenge, requiring careful consideration of multiple interdependent subsystems, including propulsion, navigation, safety mechanisms, and communication interfaces. By integrating amphibious and air-deployable functionality, the system must achieve high levels of manoeuvrability while maintaining operational reliability in diverse environments. Its design must accommodate rapid transitions between land and water operation, ensure stability under varying payload conditions, and provide sufficient speed and agility for mission-critical deployments. Additionally, the vehicle must conform to stringent safety standards and operational protocols, allowing teams to perform their duties effectively under emergency conditions.

A systems engineering approach is essential to define and analyse the capability baseline for the ADAV. This involves a comprehensive assessment of operational requirements, environmental constraints, and stakeholder needs. Systems thinking provides a framework to examine interactions between subsystems and identify potential points of failure. Modelling techniques can be applied to simulate vehicle performance under different operational scenarios, including coastal surveillance, disaster relief, and tactical deployment exercises. These simulations inform design decisions, support risk mitigation strategies, and enhance overall system robustness. Furthermore, scenario-based analysis ensures that the ADAV meets strategic objectives such as reducing response times, improving operational reach, and providing safe and reliable transportation for personnel and equipment across challenging terrains.

Innovation and creativity are critical in the development of the ADAV system. Engineers must propose novel solutions to enhance amphibious performance, optimize air deployment logistics, and minimize environmental impact. Material selection, propulsion efficiency, and modular design considerations play pivotal roles in achieving these goals. Anticipating the consequences of design choices, both intended and unintended, is vital to ensuring system reliability and mission success. A thorough risk analysis, including potential operational and environmental hazards, allows the engineering team to implement preventive measures and contingency strategies that enhance resilience.

Continued...