Institution news
This year, the Challenge has new criteria for testing the teams, including changes to the mission and payload, as well as new elements such as, new packaging and efficiency requirements, all of which will help students think innovatively and encourage them to consider alternate designs to suit the new set of requirements.
"We are very excited to be partnered with ARPAS UK for the 2020 UAS Challenge competition and look forward to the expertise the organisation can bring to the project. This partnership will give an even greater experience for competitors and volunteers involved, promoting the ever-evolving application of drones in commercial use."
Alex Robbins, UAS Challenge Volunteer Project Manager
IMechE Projects Executive Kristina Virkolich commented,
“ARPAS will be promoting the UAS Challenge to their membership and joining the event for the first time this summer. As part of their support for the competition, they will be offering a free two-year membership to the winning team.
"The purpose of the Challenge is to minimise the gap between university and industry. A lot of universities focus on engineering theory, whereas the Challenge provides an opportunity for practical applications. The competition replicates aerospace standards and practices and provides teams with the opportunity to design, test, build and fly an aircraft that meet industry criteria.”
ARPAS UK Chairman Gavin Wishart remarked,
“The UAS Challenge affords young engineers the opportunity to contribute to the complete product lifecycle. It brings their ideas and ingenuity to bear to solve real world problems through the development of innovative air systems. Indeed, over the last six years some 1,000 students from all over the world have had the opportunity to develop engineering skills and see their efforts culminate in live flight demonstrations.”
The Challenge provides a unique platform for industry partners to engage with the brightest and most talented aspiring engineers, maximise their brand exposure and drive their STEM initiatives. The competition has seen past participants gain employment directly as a result of the involvement in the UAS Challenge.
The 2020 Challenge is sponsored by industry partners GKN Aerospace, Meggitt, Bombardier, and Mashoom.
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