Lighter Than Air Systems

Manish Tripathi worked as a Project Research Scientist at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai and is currently working as a Post-doc/Assistant Professor at the Silesian University of Technology., Poland. He obtained his B. Tech. (Aerospace Engineering), M. Tech. (Avionics) from Amity University, NOIDA and Ph.D. from the Defense Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune. His major areas of research interests include aerodynamics of Lighter-than-Air systems, machine learning for aerodynamic shape optimization, aerodynamics of unconventional lifting surfaces like grid fins and inflatable wings, high speed nozzle applications, wind energy as well as bio-inspired aerodynamics. He has published 12 papers in respected international journals and 16 conference forums. Dr. Manish has received two best paper awards, as well as a patent grant in the Indian Patent Office. He is also a recipient of the Prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Post-docs from Germany. Currently, he is a recognised reviewer across various reputed International Journals. He is also a key technical member of various LTA system forums like the AIAA LTA Technical Committee, and the IMIEU U-LTA platform.K. M. Kiran Babu is currently a Faculty Member (Associate Professor) in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Annasaheb Dange College of Engineering and Technology, Ashta, Sangli. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Aeronautical Engineering from Anna University and Hindustan Institute of Technology and Sciences, Chennai. His PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, is in the area of Lighter-Than-Air systems for Planetary Exploration, with his thesis titled "Design and Sizing of Buoyant Systems for Planetary Exploration". His research interests are in the conceptual design and optimization of Aerial Systems, specifically in Lighter-Than-Air systems. His research outcomes include a granted patent titled "BUOYANCY CONTROL MECHANISM FOR A LIGHTER THAN AIR SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF", publications in journal articles and conference proceedings, and recognition such as the Outstanding Student (Research) Award from the ISTE Maharashtra-Goa Section (2023-24) and the Best Teacher Award - 2023 from Sant Dnyaneshwar Shikshan Sanstha, Islampur.

• Robust 3D Trajectory Tracking of an Under-actuated Lighter-Than-Air System.- Dynamic Modeling and Propulsion System Analysis with LQR-Based Control System for Enhanced Performance of a Lighter-Than-Air Aerial Drone.- Visual SLAM based Indoor Navigation of an Aerostatic Drone.- Fault Tolerant Adaptive Sliding Mode Control Design for a Stratospheric Airship with Actuator Faults.- The Braided Composite Exhibiting Near-zero Equal Thermal Expansion Behavior for Potential Application in Airships.- An agile inflatable-structure airship for air freight: the iRPAS project.- Active Learning - CFD based Framework for Shape Optimization of Two-Dimensional Airship Hull Profile.- Conceptualisation of an Aerostatic Platform for Mid-Air Docking and Energy Transference Systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Paradigm Shift in UAV Operational Endurance.- Design of an Integrated and Automated System for Ground Handling of a Tactical Aerostat.- Lighter-Than-Air Technology for Sustainable Aviation: a Comparative Environmental Impact Analysis.- Airship Formations for Animal Motion Capture and Behavior Analysis.- Development of an aerial cybernetic IOT System based on LTA-UAVs for Multi-faceted Applications.- Employment Of Lighter Than Air Vehicles To Enhance Cost Effectiveness Of Naval Operations.