Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

A view of the Main Building of the IIAM

The Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (Martino: Instituto de Ingeniería Aeroespacial y Mecánica, IIAM) is a leading research and educational facility dedicated to advancing the fields of aerospace engineering (ingeniería aeroespacial) and mechanical engineering (ingeniería mecánica). Located in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie, it serves as the nation’s foremost center for applied aerospace and mechanical research, innovation, and development. It is officially part of the Department of Civil Works and Transportation. The institute employs over 800 researchers, including 50 postgraduates from the University of Cárdenas, making it one of the major research centers in Máquina Science Park.

History

The IIAM was founded in 1730 AN under the National Infrastructure Plan as a spin-off from the Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science. Its creation was driven by the need for a dedicated center to focus on the growing demands of aerospace research and mechanical engineering, which had previously been secondary focus areas of the IICCM. The NIP allocated over €3.5 billion to allow the IIAM to rapidly develop state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels, propulsion labs, robotics workshops, and advanced manufacturing halls. Since its inception, the IIAM has played a pivotal role in national aerospace projects, as well as mechanical engineering innovations, including automation and advanced materials science.

Research

The IIAM focuses on cross-disciplinary research in aerospace and mechanical engineering. Its work is organized into five core research areas:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Space Engineering
• Propulsion Systems
• Mechanical Systems
• Aerospace Materials Science

The IIAM also hosts a major aerospace training facility, featuring flight simulators and digital prototyping suites. The institute collaborates with public and private sector partners, including Javelin Industries, Aldurian Motor Company, and the National Construction Corporation, through its Industrial Partnerships Division.

Mayor Projects over the Years

• Proyecto Estrellas: design and launch of next-generation of ASANA satellites for observation, communications, and science. Completed in 1735 AN.
• Proyecto Alas de Águila: design and construction of next-generation domestic aeroplane models. Completed in 1738 AN.
• Proyecto Titanio: collaboration with Javelin Industries to develop high-strength materials for aerospace application. Ongoing as of 1744 AN.

Layout

The IIAM occupies a 10-hectare campus at the southern end of the Máquina Science Park. The campus is designed around the main building in the center. The campus comprises five main buildings.

1. The Main Building houses houses administrative offices, lecture halls, a specialized library, and an exhibition hall showcasing historical models, prototypes, and engineering achievements.
2. The Aerospace Engineering Building is dedicated to aircraft and spacecraft design, with wind tunnels, flight simulators, and avionics labs. Home to the ASANA Space Design Center, which oversees satellite design and space mission simulations.
3. The Propulsion Building focuses on engine testing and development, including jet, rocket, and electric propulsion systems, with high-temperature test chambers and fuel research labs.
4. The Mechanical Systems Building houses robotics workshops, automation labs, and industrial machinery testing rigs, and is equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters.
5. The Materials Science Building specialises in aerospace materials research, including composite materials, metallurgy, and structural integrity testing.

Organisation

The IIAM is overseen by a Director-General, appointed by the Federal Science & Research Council and Department of Civil Works and Transportation. It is further structured into five main research divisions, two service departments, and one executive office.

• Director-General
  • Chief Operating Officer
    • Department of Administration & Planning
    • Department of Facilities
    • Department of Public Affairs & Training
  • Deputy Director of Research & Science
    • Aeronautical Engineering Division
    • Space Engineering Division
    • Propulsion Systems Division
    • Mechanical Systems Division
    • Advanced Materials Division

The institute also operates three advisory boards composed of national and international experts:

1. Scientific Advisory Council
2. Applied Research and Innovation Council
3. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Standards Board

List of (Deputy) Directors

1. Aurelio Delgado (1730-1742)
2. Juliano Silva (1742-Present)

Deputy Directors

1. Diego Sabbatinez (1730-1736)
2. Orlando Nuñez (1736-1744)
3. Carla Farías (144-Present)