Dr. Prahlada Ramarao

Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller, Research & Development (Aero & SI), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi Born on 05 February 1947 in Bangalore, is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate from University College of Engineering, Bangalore University(1969). Subsequently he got his Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering Department from IISc., Bangalore, with specialization in Rockets and Missile Systems and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. Since 1971 he has served in various ISRO and DRDO Establishments covering VSSC Trivandrum, ADE Bangalore and DRDL Hyderabad. His areas of interest cover aerodynamics, flight controls, guidance, propulsion, system design and system engineering. In his position as Director of the biggest DRDO laboratory, DRDL, during 1997-2005, he has provided leadership to many missile projects, new technologies and world class test facilities. As Project Director for the mobile surface to air area defence missile system, AKASH, he has provided the technological and managerial leadership for about 1000 scientists/engineers working at various development centres. He was Programme Director for the Joint Venture Project (Indo-Russia) BrahMos and contributed to Project formulation, management and conduct of initial flight trials. Since November 2005, as Chief Controller Research & Development at DRDO Hqrs and Distinguished Scientist, he is heading Services Interactions, International Cooperation, Foreign Offices (UK, USA and Russia), Extramural Research, Intellectual Property Rights, Technology Acquisition and Industry Interaction. He is also Chief Controller for Aeronautical Cluster of laboratories of DRDO providing leadership and guidance for many important Programmes in Combat Aircrafts, Unmanned Air Vehicles, Gas Turbine Engines, Avionics and Aerostats. He has spearheaded commercialization of DRDO technologies into civilian products through a customized programme with FICCI. AWARDS and HONOURS Padma Shri form Government of India – 2015 He is recipient of DRDO Scientist of the Year. He is recipient of Hyderabad Management Association – Member of the Year. He is recipient of Distinguished Alumnus Award (Aerospace Dept). He is recipient of National Aeronautical Prize. He is recipient of “Sivananda Eminent Citizen Award 2008” by Sanathana Dharma Charitable Trust, Hyderabad He is winner of the DRDO Award for Path Breaking Research/ Outstanding Technology Development 2008 He is recipient of Eminent Engineers Award for the year 2009 by Institution of Engineers, Delhi State Centre. He is recipient of Life Time Achievement Award- 2010 by Hyderabad Management Association He was awarded honorary doctorate from Sri Venkateswara University in 2006 His other areas of interest cover R&D Management, Project Management, Technology Management and Knowledge Management. He is Member / Fellow of following Professional Organizations:- Fellow, Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences Fellow, Indian National Academy of Engineering Fellow, Institution of Engineers Fellow, Society for Shock Wave Research of India Fellow, Astronautical Society of India Fellow, Systems Society of India Fellow, Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers Donor Member, IISc Alumni Association Board of Trustee, Trust for Advancement of Aerodynamics of India Past President/Chairman of following organizations: Hyderabad Management Association ISAMPE, Hyderabad Chapter ISNT, Hyderabad Chapter INAE, Hyderabad Chapter President, Society for Aerospace Quality & Reliability