Dr Malcolm Claus

I studied at Kingston for both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I graduated from Kingston University in 1997 after the completion of my undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering with Astronautics and Space Technology – being awarded the Vega Space Systems Engineering prize for best all-round performance on the Space Technology course at Kingston University. In 1998, I was awarded the Jack Finnimore Engineer Award by the Heathrow Branch Royal Aeronautical Society for my undergraduate final year individual project on the "Low Speed Landing Characteristics of the Skylon Spaceplane".

Following completion of my undergraduate studies, I began my PhD on the "aerodynamic effects of a divert jet with the external aerodynamics of a hypersonic Kinetic Kill Vehicle (KKV)". This research was carried out as part of my employment with Hunting Engineering Limited and was based at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) located at Farnborough. This work was purely experimental with hypersonic wind tunnel tests being carried out at Mach 12.1.

From 1997 to 2003, I worked for Hunting Engineering and Insys Limited as a systems engineer working in the aerodynamics department. Work was mainly defence-related activities. I was based at Farnborough between 1998 and 2001.

From 2003 to 2005, I was a doctoral researcher with the NRC (National Research Council) and the USAFA (United States Air Force Academy), Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. I was involved with both teaching (supervising and supporting final year projects) and research, where I contributed to a number of projects including ARGUS (formerly Steel Eagle II), NASA OSP (Orbital Space Plane) and C-130 Hercules as part a multi-national research programme (this involved working with teams in the US, UK, France and Germany)  on the C-130 transport aircraft using CFD.

After returning to the UK in 2005, I worked within the Special Projects Department at Lockheed Martin UK at Ampthill as a senior systems engineer. Work was mainly aerospace/space and defence-related activities.

From 2010 to 2013, I worked as a principal engineer in the Aerodynamics and Propulsion Department, MBDA, Filton, Bristol, UK  where I contributed to several projects including – Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) and Sea Venom (formerly Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy).

I joined Kingston in 2013 as a senior lecturer in Astronautics and Space Technology, undertaking both teaching and research activities. These include module leader of both space modules (Space Vehicle Design 2018/19 and Space Mission Analysis and Design – current). I have also been individual projects coordinator (UG and PG) for the School of Engineering.

I am the STEM and Outreach Champion for the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment and academic lead for primary engineer. I am also helping in progressing of the new propulsion test facility which will be an asset to the teaching and development of future propulsion/space engineers. As part of my development, I gained my Fellowship in Higher Education in 2014.

• PhD in Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics
• BEng (Hons) Aerospace Degree with Astronautics and Space Technology
• BTEC HND (Higher National Diploma) in Aerospace Engineering
• BTEC OND (Ordinary National Diploma) in Mechanical Engineering
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy