Pradyumna Bhat on How His Team Won the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition 2025
In a thrilling display of innovation, precision, and teamwork, Pradyumna Bhat and his team emerged victorious at the prestigious Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition 2025. Held at the state-of-the-art Aerospace Research Institute in Bengaluru, the competition brought together the brightest minds in aeromodelling from across the country. Bhat’s team, representing the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, clinched the top prize, leaving a lasting impression on judges and competitors alike. In an exclusive interview, Bhat shared insights into their journey, challenges, and the secret behind their success.
The Road to Victory
The Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition is renowned for pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Flight: Innovating for the Future,” challenged participants to design and build aircraft models that prioritize fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and cutting-edge aerodynamics. Bhat’s team, comprising five engineering students, spent months preparing for the competition.
“We started with a blank slate,” Bhat explained. “The theme was both inspiring and daunting. We knew we had to think outside the box to stand out.” The team’s winning design, named AeroVayu, was a lightweight, solar-powered drone capable of long-duration flights with minimal environmental impact. The model featured a unique wing design inspired by the albatross, allowing it to glide efficiently while conserving energy.
Overcoming Challenges
The journey to victory was not without its hurdles. Bhat highlighted the challenges of balancing academic commitments with the demands of the competition. “We had to juggle classes, exams, and our project. There were days when we barely slept,” he recalled.
Technical obstacles also tested their resilience. Early prototypes faced issues with stability and energy efficiency. “We went through countless iterations,” Bhat said. “Each failure taught us something new. We had to rethink our approach multiple times, but we never gave up.”
A breakthrough came when the team incorporated advanced AI algorithms to optimize flight paths and energy consumption. “That was the turning point,” Bhat shared. “The AI system allowed AeroVayu to adapt to changing wind conditions and maximize solar energy usage.”
Teamwork and Collaboration
Bhat emphasized that teamwork was the cornerstone of their success. “Every member brought something unique to the table,” he said. “We had experts in aerodynamics, materials science, AI, and electronics. The synergy was incredible.”
The team’s collaborative spirit extended beyond their own group. They sought guidance from faculty mentors and even collaborated with a local startup specializing in renewable energy. “We realized early on that we couldn’t do it alone. Building those connections was crucial,” Bhat noted.
The Winning Moment
The final round of the competition was a nail-biter. Teams were required to demonstrate their models’ capabilities in real-time, with judges scrutinizing every detail. AeroVayu impressed with its flawless performance, completing a 30-minute flight solely on solar power while maintaining stability in varying wind conditions.
“When they announced our name, it was surreal,” Bhat said. “All the late nights, the struggles, the moments of doubt—everything was worth it in that moment.”
Looking to the Future
Bhat believes their victory is just the beginning. “This competition has shown us the potential of sustainable aviation,” he said. “We’re already brainstorming ways to scale up AeroVayu for real-world applications, like environmental monitoring and disaster relief.”
He also hopes their success will inspire future generations of engineers. “India has so much talent. Competitions like this are a platform to showcase that talent and drive innovation in aerospace.”
As Bhat and his team bask in the glory of their achievement, they remain grounded and focused on their mission: to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace engineering. Their victory at the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition 2025 is a testament to their dedication, creativity, and unwavering belief in the power of teamwork.
