Dr. Sudha U P V
Scientist ‘F’, Deputy Project Director (Dynamics & Flutter-AMCA)
Aeronautical Development Agency, Under Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, Bangalore

Professional Experience

Dr. Sudha U P V is a distinguished aerospace scientist with over 27 years of experience. For over 20 years, she has worked on Aeroelasticity and Structural Dynamics of Fighter Aircraft in the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Under Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, Bangalore. Presently, she's in charge of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Dynamics and Aeroelasticity team, working on the dynamics and aeroelastic clearance of AMCA. Prior to joining ADA, she was employed in a private firm for 5 years, working on structural design.

Achievements and Acknowledgements

• Dr. Biren Roy Trust Award (2018) – Received from the Aero Society of India for outstanding contribution in the field of aviation.
• Vanitharathnam Award (2022) – Sarva Kerala Prathibha Puraskaram given by the Government of Kerala for outstanding contribution in Science & Technology.
• Tagore Excellence Award (2018) – Conferred for outstanding contributions to Science and Technology.
• Bhuvaneshwari Puraskaram (2016) – Awarded for holding a profession along with social commitment.
• Best Paper Award (2024) – International Conference on Advances in Aerospace Technologies, held in Chennai.

International Conference and Research Contribution

Dr. Sudha has presented a series of research papers in international conferences. Among those, some highlight papers are:

"An Autoregressive Modeling, Frequency and Damping Estimation" (IFASD-2011, Paris, France): Designed a program to extract frequency and damping from flight flutter test data using Autoregressive modeling.

"Aircraft Aeroelastic Stability and Response during Wake Penetration" (IFASD-2013, Bristol, UK): An advanced program was introduced to assess aeroelastic stability during wake penetration, improving flight test safety and efficacy.

Publications: 14
Technical Reports Released: 200+

Owing to her implacable zeal towards social service, Dr. Sudha also has a focus on such activities as rendering technical guidance to students, empowering women through education, promoting literacy, and palliative care.

Some Major Contributions:

Technical Guidance and Student Motivation

• Inspired school and college students, especially girls from rural areas, to pursue careers in Science & Technology.
• Shared her life experience as a mother of a disabled daughter to inspire students in overcoming obstacles.

Women Empowerment and Literacy Activities

• Basic education and awareness on rights and responsibilities were given to women in rural areas of Kerala.
• Women were empowered to educate their children and implement a healthier way of living.

Palliative and Pain Care

• Volunteered for the Karunya Palliative Rehabilitation Trust, helping the mentally and physically disabled with both technical and financial support.

Support for Mother's of Disabled Children

• Provided counselors and emotionally supportive interventions to build up the confidence of mothers with disabled children.

Activated Impactful Other Roles

• Newcomers Lectures for Scientists - Trained at ADA-Bangalore.
• Motivational Speaker - Delivered talks in schools and colleges and also in rural areas.
• Advisory Expert Committees - Member of the advisory committees of Kannur Engineering College & Kendriya Vidyalaya.
• The Girl Student Alliance - Mentors women of Kannur Engineering College for re-entry into the workforce after a career gap.
• Technical Awareness - Gave lectures on Aerospace Engineering career opportunities.
• Community Activity - Active member of Karmodaya, Kannur; submitted a report on women empowerment in Ezhome Panchayat, Kerala, which was implemented successfully.

Effects and Outcomes of Social Contributions

• Inspired Future Scientists - Encouraged many students, especially girls, to consider careers in Science & Technology.
• Empowered Women - Provide education and social awareness to women in rural communities.
• Enhancement of Palliative Care - Increases quality of life for the disabled.
• Support for Mothers of Disabled Children - Help mothers build their confidence and find a bright future for their disabled children.

Dr. Sudha U P V does much more than contribute to aerospace engineering. She is a unique mixture of scientific merit and social commitment, impacting technology and society on an inconceivable scale. 

Dr. Sudha U P V, Scientist ‘F’ at ADA, Ministry of Defence, is a trailblazer in aerospace engineering with over 27 years of impactful contributions. As Deputy Project Director (Dynamics & Flutter-AMCA), she leads the AMCA program's aeroelastic efforts. Her accolades, including the Dr. Biren Roy Trust Award and Vanitharathnam Award, honor her excellence in aviation and science. Beyond science, Dr. Sudha empowers rural women, supports mothers of disabled children, and promotes STEM education. Her unmatched blend of scientific brilliance and deep social commitment continues to inspire a generation of future scientists and changemakers across India.

Dr. Sudha U P V's journey is one of extraordinary dedication, intellect, and compassion. With over 27 years in aerospace, she has significantly contributed to the dynamics and aeroelasticity of fighter aircraft at ADA under the Ministry of Defence. Leading the AMCA project’s dynamics team, she has earned prestigious awards for her scientific achievements. Beyond her technical brilliance, she actively empowers women, supports palliative care, and mentors future scientists. Her ability to balance a demanding career while nurturing societal change - especially as a mother to a specially-abled child - makes her journey not just inspiring but deeply transformative.