Kyle Collins

Title
Research Assistant Professor and Director of the Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC)
Email
Department
Aerospace Engineering Department
College
College of Engineering
Kyle Collins

Dr. Kyle Collins holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech. Prior to his academic career, he worked as an engineer in the sport parachuting industry and owned a computer-aided design consulting firm. He specializes in the multidisciplinary design optimization of rotorcraft, focusing on both aeromechanics and aeroacoustics. His expertise lies in utilizing advanced rotorcraft analysis tools, combining computational fluid dynamics, computational structural dynamics and aeroacoustic analysis to accurately predict helicopter rotor performance, load and noise during flight. While at Georgia Tech's Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, he oversaw the Rotary and Fixed Wing Design Branch of the Advanced Concepts Division, later leading the Aviation Safety and Certification Branch of the Transformative Aviation Concepts Division. In 2019, Dr. Collins joined the Eagle Flight Research Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an Assistant Research Professor. In recognition of his exceptional contributions and leadership, he currently serves as the Director of the Eagle Flight Research Center. In this position, he oversees a team of faculty and students engaged in cutting-edge research projects concerning Urban Air Mobility. Throughout his tenure at Embry-Riddle, Dr. Collins has made significant strides in research and development, serving as Principal Investigator on numerous sponsored projects. These projects have centered on integrated propulsion and control of rotorcraft, as well as exploring electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) technologies, with a focus on Simplified Vehicle Operations (SVO) and rotor system optimization. With over 30 publications in conferences and journals, he is widely recognized for his valuable contributions to rotor design and optimization, design methodologies, rotor aeroacoustics and related subjects. Beyond his scholarly achievements, Dr. Collins is an instrument-rated commercial and aerobatic pilot, actively engaging with aviation outside his research pursuits. He was a member of the Bronze winning 2023 U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team, placing eighth in the world at the 2023 World Advanced Aerobatic Championships, further showcasing his passion and commitment to aviation excellence.

  • Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
  • M.S. - Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
  • B.M.E. - Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
  • Commercial Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Remote Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control for Novel Rotorcraft (Collins, Kyle B, Dr., Anderson, Richard P, Dr., Prazenica, Richard J, Dr., Currier, Patrick N, Dr., Saini, Vivek V, Mr., Roiati, Riccardo, Mr., Korat, Aditi, Ms., Hruswicki, Patric, Mr., Mujica, Santiago, Mr., Schroder, Jonathan A, Mr.) Student Research Symposium (SRS) (2021)
  • Development of ERAU VOLTRON Hybrid-Electric Powerplant (Fernandes, Roydon, Mr, Shivakumar, Jayaprakash B, Mr, Bogert, Alexander Bryce, Morgan, Karl B, Cox-Gross, Riley James, Collins, Kyle B, Dr., Anderson, Richard P, Dr., Liu, Jianhua, Dr., Hruswicki, Patric, Schroder, Jonathan Axel, Mr) Student Research Symposium (SRS) (2021)