KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) — A young Malaysian scientist’s involvement in future aircraft research with the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) underscores the global standing of local talent.
Dr Raja Akif Raja Zahirudin, 33, who currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Tech, is directly involved in the NASA RAVEN-GT (Research Aircraft for eVTOL Enabling Technologies) project.
The project focuses on research into electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a future aviation technology involving electric, powered aircraft that operate like conventional planes but can take off and land vertically.
Sharing his experience with Bernama, Raja Akif said his research, titled ‘Proprotor Hover Performance and Wing Download for the RAVEN eVTOL Aircraft,’ focuses on rotor performance and the interaction of aircraft components that affect thrust during take-off and landing.
“This study aims to improve eVTOL design to make it more efficient and suitable for future operations,” he said.
The Kerteh, Terengganu-born scientist said eVTOL technology has the potential to become an alternative to existing transportation systems, as it offers faster, quieter and more environmentally friendly short-distance air travel, particularly in congested urban areas.
“One of the main challenges in developing eVTOL aircraft is ensuring low noise levels and energy efficiency, as public acceptance, especially in densely populated areas, depends heavily on these factors,” he said.
The project, which began in 2020, involves four researchers, four academic faculty members and seven students at Georgia Tech, along with collaboration from industry partners and other researchers.
Reflecting on his involvement with NASA research, Raja Akif said it all began during his PhD studies at Pennsylvania State University, where he had the opportunity to be mentored by Prof Eric Greenwood, who previously served at NASA’s Langley Research Centre.
“When he (Greenwood) joined Pennsylvania State University in 2020, he brought with him a grant from NASA Langley Research Centre for research on overlapping rotor aerodynamics and acoustics, which opened the door for me to be involved in the project that later became my PhD thesis,” he said.
He added that since then, he has worked closely with the aeroacoustics team at NASA Langley Research Centre, including sharing research methodologies and experimental findings.
Describing his involvement in the global-level research as a responsibility to represent the nation and demonstrate the capabilities of Malaysian scientists, Raja Akif expressed hope that the reputation he has built will open more opportunities for Malaysian scientists and engineers on the international stage.
— BERNAMA