Experiments in Flight Course | IIT Kanpur NPTEL | Aerospace Engineering
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 150 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Categories | Flight Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering |
| Credit Points | 1 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Feb 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Introduction to Experiments in Flight: A Premier NPTEL Course for Aspiring Aerospace Engineers
The realm of aerospace engineering transcends theoretical design; its true validation occurs in the sky. Understanding how an aircraft behaves in real-world conditions through systematic flight testing is a critical skill. The NPTEL course "Introduction to Experiments in Flight" bridges this gap between theory and practice. Designed and delivered by eminent experts from IIT Kanpur and industry, this 4-week program offers a comprehensive dive into the methodologies of flight experimentation and data analysis.
Meet Your Instructors: A Blend of Academic Excellence and Industry Expertise
The course is led by two distinguished professionals who bring unparalleled depth to the subject.
Prof. A.K. Ghosh is a senior faculty member in the Aerospace Engineering Department at IIT Kanpur. As the in-charge of the flight laboratory and unmanned aerial vehicle facilities, his hands-on experience is immense. His illustrious career includes prior work as a scientist with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Prof. Ghosh's research spans system identification, aircraft design, supercavitation, and UAS. With over 13 doctoral and 38 master's students guided, and significant contributions to defense projects like Pinaka Mk-I, he provides a robust academic and strategic perspective.
Prof. Prashant Kumar is an Aerospace Engineer currently contributing to cutting-edge projects at Boeing. He specializes in UAV/advanced aircraft design, aerodynamic analysis, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). His hands-on proficiency with tools like MATLAB/Simulink and SolidWorks, combined with experience from organizations like TASL and DRDO labs (ADA, ARDE), ensures the course content is grounded in current industry practices and digital engineering workflows.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This undergraduate-level course is structured to transform your understanding of aircraft from static models to dynamic systems characterized by real data.
Objective: To equip students with the knowledge to plan, execute, and analyze flight experiments to determine critical aircraft parameters and create a foundational background for designing custom experiments.
Intended Audience: B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD students in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering.
Prerequisites: A solid grasp of Aircraft Performance and Aircraft Stability and Control (links to preparatory NPTEL courses are provided).
Detailed 4-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
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| Week 1 |
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| Week 2 |
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| Week 3 |
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Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
Upon completion, participants will gain practical skills highly valued in aerospace sectors:
- Flight Test Planning: Learn to design a structured experiment to measure specific performance and stability parameters.
- Hands-On Data Skills: Understand sensor systems, data acquisition (including MEMS), and processing using flight data recorders.
- Critical Analysis: Determine vital aircraft characteristics like drag polar, neutral points, and lateral-directional stability.
- Advanced Estimation Techniques: Apply statistical methods like Least Squares and the Delta Method to derive aerodynamic coefficients from real flight data.
Industry Support: The course is recognized and supported by leading national aerospace organizations including NAL Bangalore, ARDE Pune, ADE Bangalore, and ADA Bangalore, underscoring its practical relevance for careers in R&D, defense, and aviation.
Recommended Textbook
To complement the video lectures and assignments, the course recommends the seminal text "Introduction to Flight" by John D. Anderson. This book provides an excellent foundation in the core principles that the course experiments explore in practice.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
- Engineering students aiming for careers in flight testing, UAV design, or aerospace R&D.
- Professionals in allied fields seeking to deepen their understanding of aircraft experimental methods.
- Researchers and enthusiasts looking to understand the empirical basis of aircraft performance and stability.
"Introduction to Experiments in Flight" is more than just a course; it's a gateway to the empirical heart of aerospace engineering. By blending IIT Kanpur's academic rigor with direct insights from industry leaders at Boeing and DRDO, it offers a unique opportunity to learn the science of flight testing from the best in the field. Enroll to move beyond the textbook and learn how the true parameters of flight are discovered.
Enroll Now →