The iMechE UAS Challenge

The UAS Challenge is a perfect analogue to working in a real aerospace company. Team members can take theoretical knowledge they learnt in lectures and apply them to a realistic engineering scenario. 

Launched in 2014 with the key objectives of developing professional engineers and inspiring the next generation, teams of undergraduates from all over the world take part in the annual UAS Challenge, which celebrated its 10 year anniversary in 2024.

Starting each October, student teams undertake a full design and build life-cycle of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with a maximum take off mass of 10kg to undertake specific mission objectives, culminating in a final fly-off event in June/July the following year. The system will be required to operate autonomously, performing a series of tasks such as, navigating waypoints, deployment of a humanitarian Aid Package, returning to base via a defined route, while also demonstrating the efficiency, maneuverability and sustainability of the aircraft.