Institution news
Please can you give us an overview of your team and your UAS?
Lauren Hale, Team Leader (LH): This is the third year Wrexham Glyndwr University has competed in the UAS Challenge. The Red Dragons are an entirely new team entry for 2021, consisting of seven students with a variety of backgrounds and interests in engineering. Our team have been working to perfect an innovative, fixed-wing UAS solution, specialised to perform disaster response missions autonomously, even in adverse environmental conditions. The aim of our UAS is to deliver vital aid to stranded survivors quickly, accurately and safely.
What are your objectives for the 2021 UAS Challenge?
LH: One of the most adventurous features of our UAS has been our decision to double the cargo carrying capacity on-board with the goal to maximise the number of lives we can potentially save in a single flight. Since then, our design has aptly become known as ‘the beast’, as it needs to be larger in size yet must maintain the same 10kg, maximum take-off weight as the other teams in the Challenge. It is a massive feat for such a small team of dragons, but each of us are multi-disciplined, passionate and keen to develop new skills as we work together towards the final event at the BMFA airfields this Summer.
What do you think Y Dreigiau Coch, The Red Dragons, bring to the UAS Challenge in particular?
LH: We are extremely proud to be representing Wales on a global scale for such forward thinking technology and innovation. We are working with local suppliers who share our ethos for sustainable manufacturing and we are equipped with state-of-the-art tools at the University’s laboratory, sponsored by Ad-Manum UAS Technologies Ltd.
What problems have your team been experiencing with COVID-19 and how have you been overcoming them?
LH: COVID-19 has brought impact and challenges to everyone in the UK and we are no exception. The facility to connect with each other virtually through Microsoft Teams has enabled us to keep the conversation alive and on track to deliver a truly unique UAS.
What made you be a part of the UAS Challenge?
LH: Above all else, our team objective has been to have as much fun through the process as possible. Glyndwr University has recently installed the latest simulation technology, meaning we can all brush up on our piloting skills during our weekly sessions in the lab. One thing we are all looking forward to is a visit to ‘The Crafty Dragon’ in Wrexham for our belated festive celebrations. It has been great connecting up with other teams from around the world over social media and it has brought out the competitive spirit in all of us.
What would you say to anyone thinking of taking part?
LH: You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take!
What advice would you give to your fellow teams?
LH: Be kind to each other.
How can we keep up to date with your team?
LH: You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter to watch the Red Dragon UAS evolution. #skiesthelimit #dragonslair.
Is there anyone you would like to thank so far?
LH: Special thanks go to Rob Bolam, Jon Laughton, Simon Hall and Martyn Jones from the engineering and creative arts faculties for their continued support with our project. We wish all the teams the best of luck and look forward to meeting them very soon!
Thanks to Lauren and the team for their great responses and we wish them the very best for their UAS this year. If you would like to showcase your team's progress with the UAS Challenge community, contact us to get started!