The Department of Aeronautical Engineering was created at Iowa State College (University) on June 9, 1942 in response to World War II. The department originally focused on aerodynamics, airplane structures, and airplane engines and was closely tied to the federal government through the Civilian Pilot Training program. On July 1, 1943, the U.S. Navy and the V-12 programs came to Iowa State resulting in a greater emphasis on training pilots for the U.S. Navy. By 1960, the department name changed from Aeronautical Engineering to Aerospace Engineering and new focuses in areas such as astrodynamics, flight controls, and propulsion emerged. In 1990, Aerospace Engineering merged with the Department of Engineering Mechanics to create the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. In 2003, the name was changed back to the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Chairs:

Wilbur Nelson(1942-1946)

Carl. N. Sanford	(1946-1952)

		Glenn Murphy		(1952-1955)

		E.W. Anderson		(1955-1971)

		Robert F. Brodsky	(1971-1980)

		Lennox M. Wilson	(1980-1987)

		James D. Iverson	(1987-1990)

		David Holger		(1990-1995)

		Thomas R. Rogge	(1995-1996)	Interim

		Thomas J. Rudolphi	(1996-2003)

		Tom I-Ping Shih		(2003-2010)

		Richard Wlezien	(2010- )