Laboratory for Emerging Aircraft Design and Systems
Led by Prof. Matthew Clarke in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The LEADS group leverages digital engineering methods — spanning high-fidelity physics-based multidisciplinary analysis, model-based systems engineering, and subscale experimental validation — to accelerate the co-design of novel energy carrier architectures and next-generation airframes.
Research Thrusts
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Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
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Advanced Aircraft Design
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Aircraft Noise & Flight Operations
Computational Tools
Research Community Aircraft Interdisciplinary Design Environment (RCAIDE)
RCAIDE is an open-source Python-based toolset that revolutionizes aircraft design and analysis. From commercial airliners to UAVs and next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft, RCAIDE provides comprehensive multi-disciplinary analysis tools backed by validated engineering methods. Its streamlined workflow and modular architecture help aerospace engineers and researchers accelerate development cycles and explore innovative designs with confidence.
LEADS Sustainable Aviation Technology Dashboard
Developed by the Laboratory for Emerging Aircraft Design and Systems (LEADS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Sustainable Aviation Technology Dashboard is a platform to examine the integration of new batteries, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and hydrogen propulsion technologies into future aircraft systems and assess their broader impact on society.
Recent Publications
2026
Shekar S. S., Molloy, A., Guidotti, M., and Clarke, M. A., “Stability-Driven Preliminary Blended Wing Body Design with Foresight for Hydrogen Fuel Adoption,” AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, January 2026.
2026
Guidotti M., Shekar S. S., Molloy, A., Mheta D., Cipriani A., Kolar A., and Clarke M. A.,“Challenges of Retrofitting Existing Aircraft With Next-Generation Powertrains” AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, January 2026.
2026
Molloy, A., Shekar S. S., Guidotti M., and Clarke M. A., “Electric Aircraft Handling Qualities: Why Battery Positioning Matters” AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, January 2026.
LEADS In Recent News
LEADS’ students present conference papers at the 2026 AIAA SciTech on BWB design, stability & control, and the future of sustainable aviation.
LEADS’ PhD candidate Matteo Guidotti named runner-up in AIAA’s Neil Y. Chen Memorial Best Student Paper Award at the AIAA Aviation Forum in Las Vegas for his paper “The Impact of Alternative Fuels on U.S. Domestic Aviation Emissions.”LEADS’ Undergraduate students Yair Guerrero and Nicole Artemyev awarded 1st and 2nd place, respectively, in the Annual 2025 AIAA Team Undergraduate Aircraft RFP competition.
LEADS’ Undergraduate student Yair Guerrero chosen as Aviation Week 20 for Twenties 2025 winner.
LEADS’ PhD student Cade Boggan wins visionary award in Research Live contest
Prof. Clarke is listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 2024 List for Science.
AACES 2050 - NASA funds sustainable aviation collaboration between U of I and JetZeroNASA
Profs Ansell, Rovey, and Clarke spearhead Boeing's partnership to support sustainable aviation, beginning with education.