Institution news
Now in its third successful year, the UAS Challenge is a unique opportunity for engineering students to learn practical aerospace engineering skills and prepare for industry employment.
The Challenge launched on 14 October, ahead of a final ‘fly-off’ event scheduled for 19-20 June 2017. Each year the Challenge is set as a year-long project with phased stages of completion that require strict adherence and assessment in order to qualify.
The Challenge calls on participating teams of undergraduates from national and international universities to undertake a full design and build cycle of a UAS. They are given specific mission objectives, and compete in a final two day ‘fly-off’ event, where 10 coveted awards are given.
In 2016, engineering students from Loughborough University beat other undergraduate teams to be crowned overall winners of the Challenge.
John Turtle, Chairman of the UAS Challenge Steering Group, said: "Industry and academia interest in the UAS Challenge has grown rapidly since our first competition in 2015. This year we had over 200 national and international student participants in 17 teams. For 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 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.
"The competition gives access to a pipe-line of job-ready young engineers experienced in practical skills and enhanced people skills, delivers profiled and relevant brand exposure and facilitates being part of a growing network of industry leaders that promote innovation."
This annual competition is a special event that is associated with the Aerospace Division with a view to inspiring the next generation.
Find out more about the UAS Challenge.