A team of aerospace engineering students from MIT Art, Design and Technology University in Pune has made significant strides in aviation with their project 'Project GARUDA'. This large radio-controlled electric aircraft features a wingspan of 9.25 meters and an all-up weight of 261 kilograms. It has achieved entries in both the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records, recognized for being India’s heaviest and largest wingspan RC airplane, as well as Asia’s largest and heaviest student-built RC electric airplane. The project was funded with ₹48 lakh (approximately $58,000 USD) from the Centre for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Young Aspirants (CRIEYA). Over nearly four years, the team expanded from two to 30 members, tackling numerous technical challenges, including propulsion failures and flight-controller tuning issues. Their persistence paid off when the aircraft successfully completed its first stable flight on May 4, 2026. The project reflects the university's commitment to practical learning, with mentorship from notable aviation figures such as Shital Mahajan and Captain Amol Yadav. Looking ahead, the team plans to continue research in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and electric aviation technologies, exploring startup opportunities in aerospace applications.