Current Students and Staff

A team of nine undergraduate Aeronautical Engineers from Loughborough University will design and build an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), also known as a drone, as part of the annual competition run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

An unmanned aircraft system is an aircraft without a human pilot on-board. They are predominantly known for their use in military and special operations, such as delivering humanitarian aid.

The competition will see the young engineers develop their drones before taking on teams from 22 other universities in a ‘fly-off’, where they will be challenged to transport a package as accurately and rapidly as possible.

Loughborough’s ‘Team Atlas’, pictured above, is Nick Ranson, Mikayel Aghajanyan, Nicholas Constantinou, Billal Mir, Akin Timur, Shazan Hafeel, Adil Adatia, James Burch and Samuel Ekregbesi.

Speaking about the team’s involvement in the competition, Nick Ranson, Team Leader, said: “Taking part in the UAS Challenge gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our technical, engineering design and manufacturing skills. 

“As young engineers, the experience will help us to become well-equipped for a long-lasting career in engineering.”

John Turton, Chairman of the UAS Challenge, said: “Industry and Academia interest in the UAS Challenge has grown rapidly since our first competition in 2015.

“In 2017 we are expanding the international dimension with more teams being invited from overseas. Going forward we are seeking to engage more industry leaders to partner with us in a range of aspects. 

“For organisations, this continues to be a remarkable opportunity to join hands with the Institution to support and uphold the future of the aerospace industry. 

Now in its third year, the UAS Challenge is the fourth student engineering challenge event run by the Institution, following Formula Student, the Railway Challenge and the Design Challenge.

The fly-off event takes place 19-20 June at Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, Llanbedr Airfield.