C++ in Aerospace Simulations (Udemy.com)
With CADAC++ as Prototype
Created by: Peter H Zipfel
Last updated April 2024
What you will learn
- Applying the power of C++ to aerospace simulations
- Grasping how Polymorphism, Inheritance, and Encapsulation (PIE) build sophisticated simulations
- Developing a UAV simulation step-by-step into a full netcentric model
- Experiencing the CADAC++ framework in comparison to other C++ architectures
- Getting ready for developing your own project simulations
How it compares
Against the other 86 rated Udemy courses in C++ on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.6 out of 5higher than 70% of them
- Reviews244#68 of 87 by number of reviews
- Length8.3 hoursshorter than 61% of them
- Last updatedApril 2024more recently than 51% of them
Course Description
This C++ course will take you deep into the guts of aerospace simulations. Like the students that I taught at the University of Florida, you should come with a first knowledge of C++ and a general understanding of flight dynamics. Step-by-step I combine C++ constructs with increasingly more complex aerospace features. You will be given access to eight simulations that replicate this build-up, culminating in a final multi-object CRUISE simulation.
I teach by example, using UAVs attacking targets, tracked by overhead satellites. Though I show you how to build this complete aerospace simulation, my focus is on the main elements of the C++ PIE: Polymorphism, Inheritance, Encapsulation. I apply them to overloading functions—both pure and virtual functions—leading to the efficient run-time polymorphism; arrange the aerospace vehicles—UAV, target, and satellite—into a hierarchical inheritance structure; and encapsulate into classes the aerodynamic and propulsive data to protect their access.
Though I use my simulation framework CADAC++ to exemplify the key features of C++, you will find that the C++ PIE is feeding most if not all complex aerospace simulations. (At the end of the course I will briefly discuss three other architectures.) Your familiarity with CADAC++ will also open for you all my other simulations of missiles, aircraft, rockets, and hypersonic vehicles.
Update April 2024: Simulations compatible with Microsoft VS C++ 2022 are added to the downloadable resources.
Update Oct 2025: CADAC Studio download changed to the landing page of my AIAA textbooks’ fourth edition: "Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics”.
So, take the plunge and become a C++ expert in aerospace simulations!
Instructor Details
- 4.6 Rating
244 Reviews
Peter H Zipfel
Dr. Peter H. Zipfel is a graduate of the University Stuttgart, Germany, and the Catholic University of America with a PhD in aerospace engineering. Twenty years ago, he founded Modeling and Simulation Technologies, which is devoted to consult and instruct in the functional integration of aerospace system using computer simulations.
Over 35 years he taught courses in flight dynamics, guidance & control, and modeling & simulation at the University of Florida; and over the span of fifty years he created aerospace simulations of helicopters, missiles, aircraft, rockets and hypersonic vehicles for the German Helicopter Institute, the U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. He is an AIAA Associate Fellow and an internationally recognized short course instructor.
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Reviews
By soma t on 5/9/2026
comprehensive intro to modeling and simulation of Aerospace vehicles
By César Ernesto Hernández Hernández on 8/8/2025
The course is interesting because it gives a general idea of how to program aerospace simulations in C++. However, I expected more simulations, more explanation of the code, and more explanation of the graphics and cases presented. Throughout the code explanations, it's very difficult to find a section that explains where the equations modeling the system are located. Regarding the graphics, there's little explanation of how varying a parameter changes the behavior, for example.
By Anthony Long on 5/3/2025
He referenced material I needed to buy separately from the course quite often, and never bothered to explain it
By Miguel Angel Calveiro on 4/11/2024
The author is a leading figure in Modeling and Simulation topics, with a proven track record in the field. The subjects he addresses are complex, yet for those interested in delving into batch-type Modeling and Simulation, his work is a necessary step. The content is excellent. [El autor es una autoridad en temas de Modelado y Simulación, con una trayectoria probada en el campo. Los temas que aborda son complejos, pero para quienes estén interesados en adentrarse en el Modelado y Simulación de tipo batch, su trabajo es imprescindible. El contenido es excelente]
By Fahd Ahmad on 3/28/2024
As an aspiring aerospace C++ simulation software engineer with a background in aerospace engineering, I found the aerospace simulation course to be immensely beneficial in deepening my understanding and knowledge of aerospace simulation principles and their implementation through C++ code execution. The course effectively bridged the gap between theoretical concepts learned in my aerospace engineering degree and their practical application in software development. I gained valuable insights into various aspects of aerospace simulation, including seeker functionalities, guidance laws like proportional navigation, and precision techniques such as miss distance interpolation. This course has not only strengthened my technical skills but has also provided me with a solid foundation to pursue a career in aerospace simulation software engineering. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to delve into this fascinating field.
By CENGİZ EKEN on 2/11/2024
Instructor seem to have ultimate knowledge on this special topics. We will see how he shares his knowledge and gives the details.
By George Falana on 12/21/2023
It is quite good and has an intriguing element to it, particularly to a hobbyist such as myself. C++ is my strongest base in programming and so, the course is a very good match.
By P M on 11/25/2022
curious topics especially the last between einstein and the dynamics of flight
By LYE CHENG LIN on 9/1/2022
Good. I have better understanding on C++ language. Excellent. With the assignments, I am able to have hands on experience and have a deeper understanding.
By Oscar Kakooza on 9/5/2021
This is very important material to any student of aerospace engineering. It’s like finding a rock of gold nugget. Incredibly valuable material
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 92 / 100






