A view of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) have made a breakthrough in the field of “soft landing” of vertical takeoff aircraft and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).
By combining real-time hybrid rocket propulsion with virtual simulation, the researchers “achieved the necessary speed for a soft landing, a key feature for all craft, from the planetary landing of an unmanned or manned exploration module to the terrestrial landing of a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft,” the press release said.
Landing speed, the report said, was an important parameter for a safe vertical landing, and the researchers managed to achieve a landing speed of 0.66 m/s during the test. They also studied the feasibility of using hybrid rocket engines for vertical landing platforms, as they were safer than liquid engines and less complicated.
The findings were published in a paper in the International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, co-authored by PA Ramakrishna, head of the Missile and Missile Laboratory, Department of Aeronautical Engineering; Joel George Manathara, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering; and Anandu Bhadran, a researcher at the R and M lab.
Vertical take-off and landing would, according to prof. Ramakrishna have eliminated the need for infrastructure such as airstrips and this capability will allow access to remote locations and rugged terrain. Another significant aspect was the development of a hybrid rocket fuel that required only compressed air as an oxidizer, the press release added.
Published – 30 Oct 2025 23:16 IST
