Aeronautical and aerospace engineering are both excellent fields for a globally-relevant career ahead. Many times, some people confuse these fields with one another, while others think they are one and the same. However, that is not true. There are some striking differences between these two fields that can make a world of difference for your career prospects. Top aerospace engineering colleges in Nashik offer both these programs to interested candidates.
Through this blog, let us gain a comparative understanding of what aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering stands for, qualifications you can pursue in these fields, skills needed to excel in these fields, job responsibilities for aerospace and aeronautical engineers, career opportunities upon graduation, and salary scope over the years.
Understanding the Difference Between Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
Growing up, you may have dreamed of flying in the skies with the help of planes, rockets, and spaceships. However, there is a significant difference between a plane and a spaceship. Let us understand what this difference is:
1. What is Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace engineering is a broad field that deals with the designing, development, testing, and maintenance of aircrafts that can survive outside of earth’s atmosphere and in space. Aerospace engineers design spacecrafts, missiles, satellites, etc. and also develop components needed to ensure their functionality. These professionals design equipment used for commercial and military uses.
2. What is Aeronautical Engineering?
Aeronautical engineering is the science of understanding the concepts behind the designing, development, and maintenance of aircrafts and their components that can survive within earth’s atmosphere. Aeronautical engineering focuses on different aspects of aircrafts, propulsion systems, and construction of an aircraft. Aeronautical engineers are responsible for creating functional aircrafts that can safely be used for civilian and military ventures.
Educational Qualifications
There are a wide range of educational qualifications that these professionals can acquire. Let us examine the qualifications available in these fields:
1. Aerospace Engineering
Typically, students can start off with an undergraduate degree in this field to gain a thorough knowledge about the basics. A B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering from a leading college can do wonders for your foundational knowledge and skills in aerospace engineering. You will have to complete 10+2 in science from a reputed educational board with minimum 50% aggregate marks to qualify for this program. Additionally, you can continue your studies with an M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering as well.
2. Aeronautical Engineering
Similarly, a B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering is the right program to understand the basics and gain technical skills with training in high-tech labs. The eligibility criterion is the same as that of aerospace engineering. There are many postgraduate programs available in this field to gain the best global opportunities upon graduation.
Skills
Since both these fields are high-tech, there is a specific set of skills needed by students to excel in their career, such as:
- Aerospace Engineering
- A thorough understanding of orbital mathematics
- A deep knowledge of propulsion systems in spacecrafts
- Skills related to designing a spacecraft’s structure
- Space mission planning and designing skills
- A thorough understanding of satellite systems and communication systems
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- An ability to adapt to an ever-evolving work environment
- Aeronautical Engineering
- A thorough understanding of aerodynamics
- Proficiency in designing propulsion systems for aircrafts
- Proficiency in designing aircraft structures
- A deep knowledge of flight dynamics and control systems
- An understanding of the manufacturing system of aircraft materials
- Analytical skills and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work within a team and eventually lead a team
- Keen observational skills and environmental adaptability skills
Job Responsibilities
These are the job responsibility of professionals in these fields:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Ability to design and analyse systems related to spacecrafts and satellites
- Calculating orbital trajectory and conducting test simulations
- Examining and recording the performance of spacecrafts in space
- Designing and creating systems to facilitate further space exploration
- Working with professionals from diverse fields
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Designing and development components and equipment for aircrafts
- Creating aerodynamic systems and performing simulations
- Recording and analysing the performance of aircrafts
- Ensuring that aircrafts and its components meet aviation and government regulations
- Partnering and closely working with professionals from various fields
Salary Scope
These are the possible salaries professionals from these fields can attract in their career:
1. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers in India from leading colleges can attract an annual salary of INR 5 lakhs. This package can increase with the right training and work experience. There is a lot of scope for aerospace engineers abroad as well, so that is an avenue you can explore for a higher salary.
2. Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineers from the best aeronautical engineering colleges in Maharashtra can easily start their career with an annual salary of INR 4 lakhs. This package can increase significantly with the right postgraduate qualifications from top colleges and exceptional work experience in the field.
Career Opportunities
There are many opportunities for aerospace and aeronautical engineers in public and private sector companies in India, such as:
1. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineers can be hired by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Mahindra Aerospace, ISRO, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Dynamatic Technologies Limited, Indian Army, Indian Air Force etc.
2. Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineers can be recruited by industry leaders like GE Aviation, Hindustan Aeronautics, Honeywell Technology Solutions, Defence Research and Development Organisation, L&T Defence, Aeronautical Development Agency, Bharat Dynamics, etc.
Aerospace Engineering Vs. Aeronautical Engineering: Which is the Right Choice for You?
Both, aerospace and aeronautical engineering can lead to a bright career ahead after gaining qualifications from a leading college like Sandip University. There is a lot of scope for high salaries for aerospace and aeronautical engineers in India and around the world.
Since both these fields are crucial to the development of spacecrafts and aircrafts, there is a need for skilled and responsible individuals to do the job well. You need to choose between working for companies that facilitate space exploration, or for companies that help people fly the skies. Good luck!