BIOGRAPHY

Riti Singh (1941-2026) was an emeritus professor of Cranfield University, UK, where he headed the Department of Power, Propulsion and Aerospace Engineering, and was Deputy Head of School until 2006. Since retiring, he became a full-time Consultant until 2015. A principal research interest was the very long-term future for civil aerospace, particularly in the context of climate change. Other interests included novel cycles for stationary power, combustion, gas path diagnostics and engine management. He had a keen interest in technology strategy and management.

His research had been strongly supported by industry, the European Union and the UK’s Research Council. He was the holder of two prestigious EPSRC Platform grants. For Rolls-Royce, he was a University Technology Centre (UTC) Director, member of their External Power & Propulsion Advisory Board (reporting to the Main Board) and chaired their Panel for Advanced Cycles & New Energy Systems. He was awarded the unique NASA Grant on distributed propulsion. He received many accolades, including the International Aircraft Engine Technology Award for 2010, presented by ASME’s International Gas Turbine Institute for sustained innovative personal contribution.

His involvement in India resulted in three awards, as well as the establishment of the HAL-Cranfield University Highflyers Programme. Professor Singh has given many plenary/keynote speeches. He held numerous patents and has published widely. He was a Board member (and Past Chair) of the Aerospace Industries Board, Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the International Society of Air Breathing Engines (ISABE) where he was previously Vice-President and won the ISABE award 2024. He consulted in over 20 countries. Prior to joining Cranfield in 1980 he had 20 years of senior careers in Rolls-Royce, UK, Stal Laval (now Siemens), Sweden and Kongsberg, Norway where he was the Chief Engineer.  Over more than 35 years at Cranfield he led, taught, supervised and mentored hosts of MSc and PhD postgraduates plus many colleagues.  His legacy lives through them.