Imagination can run wild in a classroom, but it finds wings at the flight laboratory of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Inside, half a dozen training aircraft are parked in the hangar. Apart from an airstrip, IIT Kanpur boasts three helipads, too. No other institute boasts such a facility, says Prof G.M. Kamath, head of the department of aerospace engineering, IIT Kanpur. Thanks to the lab, students here get hands-on training.
"We get pilots to fly these aircraft. It benefits students as they can do experiments based on the manoeuvres," says Kamath. "This helps the students get a feel of the aircraft and helps them design better aircraft."
The flight laboratory runs courses in flight testing, wherein students collect, analyse and evaluate performance and handling qualities of the airplanes. And so, students from across the country-from the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) Chandigarh to IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and the Madras Institute of Technology-flock to the lab. A few years ago, students from the Nanyang Technological University Singapore also visited the lab.
"Close to 300 students from outside come here every year for a 10-day course," says Kamath.
The flight lab is closely monitored, audited and certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. On prominent display is the HANSA-3, the first indigenously produced composite aircraft in India. Designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories in Bengaluru, the aircraft carries fibre optic sensors developed by IIT Kanpur's aerospace engineering department. The sensors-each as thin as a hair strand-help monitor the structural health of the aircraft for five to 10 years.
"One can monitor whether the aircraft went through some kind of turbulence or if it had a hard landing," explains Kamath. "Each and every aspect of the flight can be monitored."
Esta historia es de la edición June 30, 2024 de THE WEEK India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 30, 2024 de THE WEEK India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.
Efficiency and innovation
As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills
Level up
Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries
Mind matters
Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability
Cutting edge
Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.
The smallest cut
Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon
Signalling a revolution
Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin
Wellness on demand
Starting as a doctor-patient chat platform, Medibuddy has evolved to be India's largest on-demand, full-stack digital health care platform
HEARING AND VISION LOSS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
A CHINESE STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL of the American Heart Association suggests that middle aged and older adults with sensory impairments, specifically hearing and vision loss, have an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attacks.