Excelsior Correspondent
PUNE, May 26: In a landmark achievement for student-led aerospace innovation in India, students of MIT Art, Design and Technology University today successfully designed, developed and flown India’s largest radio-controlled (RC) electric fixed-wing airplane, “Project GARUDA,” under “Team Skytrek.”
The airplane developed entirely by students of the School of Engineering & Science – Department of Aerospace Engineering and funded by MIT ADT University, features a massive 9.25-metre wingspan and an all-up weight of 261 kilograms, making it the largest and heaviest radio-controlled electric airplane built in India.
The university sanctioned a total funding amount of Rs 48,00,000 (Forty-Eight Lakhs) for the project under CRIEYA.
Following its successful flight, Project GARUDA has now been officially included in both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records for the following achievements, India’s Heaviest RC Airplane (261 kg), India’s Largest Wingspan RC Airplane (9.25 metres), Asia’s Largest Radio-Controlled Electric Airplane and Asia’s Heaviest Student-Built RC Electric Airplane.
This achievement marks a major milestone in experiential learning, advanced aerospace research, and student-driven innovation in India.
The project was carried out under the visionary guidance of Dr Mangesh Karad, along with Dr Rajesh S, Provost Dr Sayalee Gankar, Dr Ramchandra Pujeri, Dr Mohit Dubey, with continuous support from Dr Sudarshan Sanap, Registrar Dr Mahesh Chopde, Dr Kamlesh Kulkarni, Dr Sunil Dingare and Dr Santosh Darade.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr Mangesh Karad said, “Project GARUDA reflects the true essence of experiential and innovation-driven education. Our students transformed classroom knowledge into a nationally and continentally recognized aerospace achievement through dedication, resilience, research, and teamwork. Such projects prepare India’s future aerospace leaders and innovators.”
The initiative also received mentorship and encouragement from renowned aviation personalities including Shital Mahajan and Captain Amol Yadav.
Project GARUDA today stands not only as a record-breaking engineering achievement recognized by both the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records, but also as a powerful symbol of India’s growing capabilities in student-led research, UAV technologies, electric aviation, and aerospace innovation.
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