The Department of Aerospace Engineering is the highest regarded academic and research program of its type in India. Work by faculty and students has benefited society and Indian industry in areas such as aircraft stability, composite materials, aerodynamic configuration, and power loss modeling.

Much of the past work has been funded through cooperative sponsorships with government and Indian industry. While this has had a positive affect on the department and IITB, in general, it has not addressed the basic academic and research needs of the department, such as faculty recruitment, library acquisitions, and student education.

To address current needs, a new vision for the department has been formed. This vision is clear. The department will become the "leading center of aerospace research and learning."

The path to achieving the vision is equally clear. Needs include enhancing creativity and motivation of students and faculty, recruiting faculty and graduate students, better library resources, more interaction between department faculty and experts from abroad, and upgraded research facilities and equipment. With this vision comes the world-class recognition that is within reach--given help and adequate funds.

Creativity Center will provide a facility, equipment for technical hands-on instruction, and funds for travel and innovation competitions. A detailed proposal lists the many components of the center.

Equipment, travel and
competitions: $30,000
 
Building: $100,000

Student Library resources are needed, including new books, CDs, annual subscriptions, furnishings and renovation of space for maintaining library holdings and for student study.

One-time costs: $3,500
 
Annual: $2,000
 
Endowment: $25,000

Student Incentives for best BTech project, Best Master's project and student events will help motivate students and stimulate innovation.

Annual: $850
 
Endowment: $10,600

Student Travel to national and international conferences will help stimulate world-class research.

Annual: $6,000
 
Endowment: $75,000

Scholarships for Dual Degree students, 21 total.

$2,000 each/18 months

Technical Support to department, including a systems administrator, IT support and lab specialist

Annual: $17,000

External Interaction will allow faculty and students to travel abroad, as well as bring experts to IITB enabling exchange of ideas world-wide.

Annual: $22,400

New Faculty Chairs. Five new faculty needed.

Seed Money: $10,000 each
 
Annual: $12,500 each

Aerodynamics Lab. To include a Laser Doppler Velocimeter, a new water tunnel and upgrading of existing tunnels.

Structures Lab. To include renovation of existing facilities, new instrument and new software.

Propulsion Lab. To include facilities for teaching and various testing facilities and equipment (detailed proposal available).