M-TECH in Aerial Systems Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur stands as a premier autonomous institution established in 1959 in Uttar Pradesh. Renowned for its academic strength across over 75 diverse programs, including engineering and sciences, IIT Kanpur boasts a sprawling 1055-acre campus. It is widely recognized for its robust placements and strong national rankings.

Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

About the Specialization

What is Aerial Systems Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?

This Aerial Systems Engineering program at IIT Kanpur focuses on the multidisciplinary design, analysis, and operation of unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles. It integrates advanced aerodynamics, flight mechanics, control systems, and artificial intelligence, addressing the evolving demands of India''''s aerospace and defense sectors for cutting-edge aerial technologies and intelligent systems.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for engineering graduates, particularly from Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Science backgrounds, who aspire to innovate in the burgeoning UAV and drone industries. It also suits working professionals seeking to upskill in autonomous systems, robotics, and advanced aerial vehicle design for roles in R&D or defense.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in organizations like DRDO, HAL, ISRO, and private drone technology startups. Entry-level salaries range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for roles in UAV design, autonomous flight control, payload integration, and policy development, aligning with certifications in aviation safety and drone operations.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Core Aerospace Principles- (Semester 1-2)

Thoroughly grasp the fundamental concepts of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics. Utilize resources like NPTEL lectures for deeper understanding, solve practice problems from standard textbooks, and participate in departmental tutorials to build a strong theoretical base for advanced topics.

Tools & Resources

NPTEL courses, Standard aerospace textbooks (e.g., Anderson, Etkin), Departmental tutorial sessions

Career Connection

A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in specialized courses and future research, directly impacting project success and job interview performance in core aerospace roles.

Develop Computational Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)

Focus on developing proficiency in computational tools and programming languages essential for aerospace analysis. Attend workshops on MATLAB, Python, and CAD software. Apply these skills to solve problems in core courses and explore mini-projects to build practical experience.

Tools & Resources

MATLAB, Python (NumPy, SciPy), OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, SolidWorks/CATIA, Online coding platforms like HackerRank

Career Connection

Strong computational skills are highly valued by R&D firms and design bureaus, enabling rapid prototyping, simulation, and data analysis in aerial systems engineering.

Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)

Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, clarify doubts, and collaborate on assignments. Actively participate in academic discussions and review sessions organized by senior students or faculty to enhance understanding and develop problem-solving approaches.

Tools & Resources

Campus study rooms, Online collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams), Departmental discussion forums

Career Connection

Collaborative learning fosters teamwork and communication skills, which are vital for multidisciplinary projects in the aerospace industry, improving overall academic performance and project outcomes.

Intermediate Stage

Undertake Specialization-Focused Projects- (Semester 2-3)

Actively seek out opportunities for research projects, either independently or with faculty guidance, specifically in areas like UAV design, autonomous navigation, or aerospace control systems. This could involve semester projects, summer internships, or contributions to ongoing research.

Tools & Resources

Departmental labs (e.g., flight mechanics lab, structures lab), Simulation software, Research papers (IEEE Xplore, AIAA Journals)

Career Connection

Practical project experience demonstrates hands-on expertise and provides tangible deliverables for resumes, making graduates highly attractive to employers in specialized aerial systems roles.

Pursue Industry Internships- (Summer breaks after Sem 2, or during Sem 3)

Secure internships at aerospace companies, defense organizations, or drone technology startups. Focus on gaining exposure to real-world engineering challenges, production processes, and industry best practices. Network with professionals during these experiences.

Tools & Resources

IITK Career Development Centre, LinkedIn, Industry-specific job portals

Career Connection

Internships are critical for bridging academic knowledge with industrial application, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and providing invaluable insights into potential career paths.

Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)

Engage in national or international aerospace design competitions (e.g., AIAA Design-Build-Fly, drone challenges) or specialized workshops on topics like embedded systems for UAVs. This enhances practical skills and provides exposure to competitive engineering environments.

Tools & Resources

Student aerospace clubs, IEEE Aerospace & Electronic Systems Society, Aeromodelling clubs

Career Connection

Participation in competitions hones problem-solving, design, and project management skills, which are highly valued in the industry and can differentiate candidates during placements.

Advanced Stage

Focus on Master''''s Thesis for Deep Specialization- (Semester 3-4)

Dedicate significant effort to the Master''''s thesis, choosing a topic that aligns with current industry trends in aerial systems engineering or addresses a critical research gap. Collaborate closely with your advisor and aim for publishable research outcomes.

Tools & Resources

Research journals, Conferences (e.g., AIAA SciTech, ICRA), IITK central research facilities

Career Connection

A strong thesis demonstrates advanced research capabilities and deep expertise in a specific area, opening doors to R&D roles, doctoral studies, and specialized positions in both academia and industry.

Prepare for Placements and Professional Certifications- (Semester 3-4)

Actively prepare for campus placements by refining technical skills, practicing aptitude tests, and conducting mock interviews. Consider obtaining relevant professional certifications in areas like drone piloting (DGCA India), embedded systems, or project management to boost employability.

Tools & Resources

IITK Placement Cell resources, Online coding platforms, Interview preparation guides, DGCA accredited training centers

Career Connection

Robust placement preparation ensures securing desirable job offers, while certifications demonstrate commitment and competence in specific industry-recognized skill sets, enhancing career progression.

Network and Engage with the Aerospace Community- (Semester 3-4)

Attend aerospace seminars, conferences, and industry events (both online and offline) to network with professionals, researchers, and potential employers. Build a strong professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn and actively participate in alumni mentorship programs.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, AIAA membership, Aerospace India conferences, IITK Alumni Network

Career Connection

Networking is vital for career growth, uncovering hidden job opportunities, gaining industry insights, and establishing connections that can prove invaluable throughout one''''s professional journey in aerial systems engineering.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Computer Science, or equivalent) or a 4-year Bachelor''''s degree in Science, or a Master''''s degree in Science. A valid GATE score is generally essential for admission to the M.Tech. programme in Aerospace Engineering.

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

Credits: 100 Credits

Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject Code	Subject Name	Subject Type	Credits	Key Topics
AE600A	Aerospace Systems Engineering	Core	9	Systems Engineering Fundamentals, System Lifecycle Management, Requirements Engineering, Design and Integration, Verification and Validation, Project Management
AE602A	Flight Mechanics and Control	Core	9	Aircraft Performance Analysis, Static Stability, Dynamic Stability, Open-Loop Response, Feedback Control Systems, Flight Control Design
	Department Elective I	Elective	9	Chosen from available departmental electives based on specialization, Advanced topics in aerospace subsystems, Specialized design methodologies, Computational and experimental techniques, System analysis and optimization

Semester 2

Subject Code	Subject Name	Subject Type	Credits	Key Topics
AE604A	Aerospace Structures	Core	9	Elasticity and Stress Analysis, Failure Theories, Thin-Walled Structures, Beam and Plate Theory, Composite Materials, Structural Stability
AE606A	Aerodynamics and Propulsion	Core	9	Fluid Dynamics Fundamentals, Compressible Flow, Airfoil and Wing Theory, Viscous Flow and Boundary Layers, Jet Propulsion Systems, Rocket Propulsion
AE608A	Aerospace Laboratory I	Core Lab	4	Experimental Aerodynamics, Structural Testing, Propulsion System Diagnostics, Data Acquisition, Measurement Techniques, Report Writing
	Department Elective II	Elective	9	Chosen from available departmental electives based on specialization, Advanced topics in aerospace subsystems, Specialized design methodologies, Computational and experimental techniques, System analysis and optimization
	Open Elective I	Elective	3	Interdisciplinary topics outside Aerospace Engineering, Management principles, Computational tools, Data science applications, Societal impact of technology
AE620A	Digital Flight Control Systems	Department Elective Option	9	Sampled data systems, Z-transform, Digital controllers, Flight control systems, State space methods, Optimal control
AE622A	Unmanned Aerial Systems	Department Elective Option	9	UAV components, Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Control architectures, Navigation, Mission planning, Regulations
AE624A	Aircraft Design	Department Elective Option	9	Design process, Conceptual design, Performance analysis, Stability and control, Structural design, Propulsion system integration, Economic considerations
AE626A	Helicopter Aerodynamics and Dynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Rotor aerodynamics, Blade element theory, Rotorcraft dynamics, Stability and control, Trim analysis, Ground resonance
AE628A	Propulsion Systems	Department Elective Option	9	Gas turbine cycles, Jet engines, Rocket engines, Turbojets, Turbofans, Component performance, Combustion, Nozzles
AE630A	High Temperature Gas Dynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Chemical equilibrium, Chemical kinetics, High-temperature flows, Shock waves, Dissociation, Ionization, Aerospace applications
AE632A	Space Flight Dynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Orbital mechanics, Two-body problem, Orbital maneuvers, Attitude dynamics, Launch vehicle trajectories, Re-entry dynamics
AE634A	Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Hypersonic flow regimes, Shock wave interactions, High-temperature effects, Viscous interactions, Aerothermodynamic heating, Vehicle design challenges
AE636A	Aeroelasticity	Department Elective Option	9	Static aeroelasticity, Divergence, Control reversal, Dynamic aeroelasticity, Flutter, Gust response, Vibration
AE638A	Finite Element Methods in Aerospace Engineering	Department Elective Option	9	FEM fundamentals, Structural analysis, Plane stress, Plate bending, Shell elements, Dynamic analysis, Computational tools
AE640A	Computational Fluid Dynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Governing equations, Discretization methods, Finite difference, Finite volume, Grid generation, Turbulence modeling, Numerical schemes
AE642A	Aeroacoustics	Department Elective Option	9	Sound generation, Propagation, Lighthill''''s acoustic analogy, Jet noise, Boundary layer noise, Fan noise, Noise control
AE644A	Experimental Aerodynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Wind tunnels, Flow visualization, Pressure measurements, Force measurements, Data acquisition, Hot-wire anemometry
AE646A	Aircraft Performance, Stability, and Control	Department Elective Option	9	Aircraft performance metrics, Static stability, Dynamic stability modes, Control systems, Handling qualities, Flight envelopes
AE648A	Structural Dynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Single and multi-degree-of-freedom systems, Vibration, Modal analysis, Forced response, Damping, Random vibrations
AE650A	Composite Materials and Structures	Department Elective Option	9	Composite mechanics, Laminated plate theory, Failure theories, Manufacturing, Testing, Aerospace applications
AE652A	Advanced Flight Control	Department Elective Option	9	Non-linear control, Robust control, Adaptive control, Optimal control, Neural networks in control, Autonomous flight
AE654A	Multi-Body Dynamics and Control	Department Elective Option	9	Kinematics, Kinetics, Lagrangian mechanics, Rigid body dynamics, Flexible multi-body systems, Control applications
AE656A	Advanced Propulsion	Department Elective Option	9	Ramjets, Scramjets, Pulse detonation engines, Electric propulsion, Hybrid rockets, Advanced combustion
AE658A	Aerospace Structures and Materials	Department Elective Option	9	Advanced materials, Fatigue, Fracture mechanics, Creep, Structural integrity, Smart materials, Lightweight design
AE660A	Advanced Aerodynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Transonic flow, Supersonic flow, Viscous-inviscid interaction, Unsteady aerodynamics, Vortex dynamics, Boundary layer control
AE662A	Introduction to Robotics	Department Elective Option	9	Robot kinematics, Inverse kinematics, Robot dynamics, Trajectory generation, Control of manipulators, Mobile robotics
AE664A	Navigation, Guidance, and Control of Aerial Vehicles	Department Elective Option	9	Navigation systems (GPS, INS), Guidance laws, Control architectures, Path planning, Obstacle avoidance, Autonomous operations
AE666A	Aerospace Manufacturing and Design	Department Elective Option	9	Manufacturing processes, Material selection, Design for manufacturability, Assembly, Quality control, Additive manufacturing
AE668A	Aeroacoustics and Noise Control	Department Elective Option	9	Noise sources, Acoustic measurements, Sound propagation, Noise reduction techniques, Passive and active control, Aircraft noise regulations
AE670A	Smart Structures and Materials	Department Elective Option	9	Piezoelectric materials, Shape memory alloys, Magnetostrictive materials, Sensors and actuators, Structural health monitoring, Active control
AE672A	Autonomous Systems	Department Elective Option	9	Autonomy levels, Perception, Decision making, Path planning, Control, Human-robot interaction, Ethics, Machine learning for autonomy
AE674A	Computational Aeroacoustics	Department Elective Option	9	Numerical methods for acoustics, Lighthill''''s analogy, Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation, Grid generation, Acoustic wave propagation
AE676A	Wind Energy Systems	Department Elective Option	9	Wind resource assessment, Aerodynamics of wind turbines, Blade design, Turbine control, Grid integration, Economics
AE678A	Systems Engineering for Aerospace Applications	Department Elective Option	9	Aerospace system design, Requirements management, Functional analysis, Trade studies, Verification, Validation, Risk management
AE680A	Space Launch Vehicle Design	Department Elective Option	9	Launch vehicle types, Trajectory design, Propulsion system sizing, Structural design, Staging, Guidance and control
AE682A	Rocket Propulsion	Department Elective Option	9	Liquid and solid rockets, Propellants, Combustion, Nozzles, Turbopumps, Thrust control, Performance analysis
AE684A	Gas Turbine Engines	Department Elective Option	9	Engine cycles, Component characteristics (compressor, turbine, combustor), Performance analysis, Diagnostics, Advanced cycles
AE686A	Advanced Space Propulsion	Department Elective Option	9	Electric propulsion, Nuclear propulsion, Advanced chemical propulsion, Deep space missions, Propellantless propulsion
AE688A	Air Traffic Management	Department Elective Option	9	Airspace structure, Air traffic control, Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, Capacity management, Future ATM concepts
AE690A	Aerospace Materials	Department Elective Option	9	Aluminium alloys, Titanium alloys, Superalloys, Composites, Ceramics, Manufacturing processes, Material characterization
AE692A	Experimental Techniques in Aerospace Engineering	Department Elective Option	9	Flow diagnostics, Structural testing, NDT, Data analysis, Uncertainty quantification, Advanced sensor technologies
AE694A	Aerospace Vehicle Design	Department Elective Option	9	Conceptual design, Preliminary design, Detailed design, Multidisciplinary optimization, Weight estimation, Performance analysis
AE696A	Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics	Department Elective Option	9	Unsteady flows, Compressible flows, Turbulence models, LES, DNS, Numerical stability, High-performance computing
AE698A	Aircraft Stability and Control	Department Elective Option	9	Longitudinal stability, Lateral-directional stability, Dynamic modes, Control surface sizing, Feedback control, Handling qualities

Semester 3

Subject Code	Subject Name	Subject Type	Credits	Key Topics
	Department Elective III	Elective	6	Chosen from available departmental electives based on specialization, Advanced topics in aerospace subsystems, Specialized design methodologies, Computational and experimental techniques, System analysis and optimization
AE799A	Master’s Thesis Part 1	Project	15	Problem identification, Literature review, Research methodology development, Experimental or computational setup, Initial data collection and analysis, Progress reporting and presentation

Semester 4

Subject Code	Subject Name	Subject Type	Credits	Key Topics
AE799A	Master’s Thesis Part 2	Project	15	Advanced experimentation or simulation, Comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, Conclusion formulation, Thesis writing and defense preparation, Publication of research findings, Innovation and problem-solving

M-TECH in Aerial Systems Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

About the Specialization

What is Aerial Systems Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?

Who Should Apply?

Why Choose This Course?

OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Core Aerospace Principles- (Semester 1-2)

Develop Computational Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)

Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)

Intermediate Stage

Undertake Specialization-Focused Projects- (Semester 2-3)

Pursue Industry Internships- (Summer breaks after Sem 2, or during Sem 3)

Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)

Advanced Stage

Focus on Master''''s Thesis for Deep Specialization- (Semester 3-4)

Prepare for Placements and Professional Certifications- (Semester 3-4)

Network and Engage with the Aerospace Community- (Semester 3-4)

Program Structure and Curriculum

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4