Structural department

The structural tepartment is responsible for designing and manufacturing all the essential components of our rockets. This includes tubes, fins, nose cones, and the structural sections housing the motor and flight computer. Beyond fabrication, the team conducts extensive research and documentation to ensure the highest quality and performance of each component.

Most of the department’s work takes place in the composites lab, where members work with advanced materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, resins, and epoxy. They also utilize a range of manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, milling, drilling, sanding, and more. All work sessions are carefully planned in advance to maintain efficiency and precision.

Looking toward the future, the department is actively exploring the use of sustainable materials in rocket construction, contributing to AQUILO’s long-term commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Like every department, the structural department consists of a department head, members, and advisors. Their work is a balance of theoretical research and practical application, ensuring that each rocket is structurally optimized for performance.

Antoni Koch

HEAD OF STRUCTURAL DEPARTMENT

Contact

E-mail: structuralaquilo@gmail.com

Phone: +32 468 22 09 51

My name is Antoni and I'm half Polish and half Belgian. Coming from an international background, I really enjoy my time at Inholland, and interacting with all types of people from all over the world. I joined the Aeronautical Engineering study due to my life-long interest in aviation and all things that fly. My first year at Inholland was a huge learning curve, as I had to study much more than I had ever done before. Nevertheless, it was a much welcome experience as I've been able to achieve more than I could have ever expected.

I joined Aquilo out of an interest to challenge myself further. I knew that it would be a huge undertaking, but a drive inside me wanted to pursue it. I was extremely grateful for being chosen to be the head of the structural department, and I want to give it my all. Aquilo provides a rare insight for a 2nd year student on how a true engineer works to create a real end product, which requires all the stages of the production process and a lot of collaboration between parties. It allowed me to see very early on where all that classroom theory turns into real-life engineering problems.

This year I'm really looking to fill the shoes of the previous structural head, and continue all the projects and endeavors that have been undertaken last year. In addition, I want to contribute as much as possible in completing all the designing and testing of the Aquilo IX rocket to set up the next board as well as possible and ensure efficient progress. ​

DEPARTMENT MEMBERS

  • Conan Butler

    Advisor
    Department Head 2023-24

  • Eliana-Andreea Paun

    Advisor
    Department Head 2022-23

  • Philippe Trimon

    Advisor
    Department Head 2022-23
    AQUILO VIII.VS & IX Taskforce member

  • Lua Vonk

    Advisor
    Department Head 2020-21

  • Tristan van Trikt

    Structural Engineer
    AQUILO VIII, VIII.VS & IX Taskforce member

  • Mateusz Ring

    Structural Engineer
    AQUILO IX Taskforce member
    Joined in 2024

  • Marinos Kiousis

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2023

  • Corina Coscodan

    Structural Engineer
    AQUILO IX Taskforce member
    Joined in 2023

  • Arturo Figuero Diaz

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2023

  • Rick Vervoort

    Structural Engineer
    Joined in 2022

  • Joeri Verheul

    Alumni

  • Iulia Popa

    Alumni