Starting each October, student teams must design and build an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with a maximum take off mass of 10kg that will carry out specific mission objectives. Whether a fixed wing aircraft, quadcopter, glider or other design, each UAS will be required to operate autonomously while navigating waypoints, carry out a simulated aid mission, and return to base via a defined route.

All teams take part in the final fly-off event in July of the next year, providing a chance to demonstrate the efficiency, manoeuvrability and sustainability of their UAS and showcase their work in formal presentations.

Each year sees dozens of teams of undergraduate and postgraduate students from all over the world take part and benefit from the opportunity to develop their engineering skills.