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“If we start working today towards developing LTA systems, in 10 years India will lead the sustainable air transportation” esteemed academician, Prof. Rajkumar S Pant, Professor of Aerospace Engineering stated in his lecture at SRM University-AP. The seasoned expert from the prestigious institute of IIT Bombay delivered a lecture on “The Design and Development of Lighter Than Air Systems” at SRM university-AP on October 16, 2023, as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series 2023 organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The lecture extensively discussed the latest developments in the area of conceptual design, sizing, design, development and flight/field testing of LTA Systems.

In his lecture, Prof. Pant encouraged students to explore the dynamics of Lighter Than Air Systems, beginning with aerostats and then gradually proceeding to more complex airships. The session highlighted the disaster of Hindenburg, breaking the myth that airship transportation is dangerous and unreliable. Prof. Pant engaged the session with video presentations on the building, developing and working of airships and aerostats that have been conducted at the Lighter-Than-Air Systems Laboratory of IIT Bombay. His lecture also showcased some of the research and development activities that have been carried out in the LTA Systems Laboratory of IIT Bombay including Project HERCARA, and other projects carried out in collaboration with ISRO and DRDO.

The distinguished lecture was followed by a workshop on “Sizing of Reusable Indoor Hot Air Balloon (RIHAB)”. The workshop provided the students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience on LTE systems and vehicles inducing research interest in the domain of aerospace engineering and sustainable air transportation. Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean – Research, Prof. Prakash Jadhav, Head – Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty and students at the university actively participated in the lecture and the workshop.