Design
We designed the aircraft in CAD and used computational fluid dynamics to compare options and refine its shape over several iterations, checking every change against the competition rules.
Student-built autonomous aircraft.
QMUAS is Queen Mary University of London's team in the IMechE UAS Challenge. Each year we design, build and fly a fixed-wing drone that runs its mission on autopilot, from take-off to a water payload drop and landing, with our safety pilot ready to take manual control at any time.
- High-wing layoutConventional tail
- Carbon fibre fuselageBuilt by the team
- Tail-dragger gearGrass or hard runway
A Queen Mary Aerospace Society project, based in the School of Engineering and Materials Science and competing in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' UAS Challenge.
How a season works
The competition runs across the academic year. Every stage is judged, not just the final flight.
Concept paper
We pick a configuration and show it can meet the mission rules.
Design specification
A full design and development report: aerodynamics, structures, payload, safety and cost.
Build and test
Composite layups, 3D printing, wiring, then ground and bench testing of every system.
Flight readiness review
Judges check the aircraft is safe and airworthy before we're allowed to fly.
Fly-off
Autonomous take-off, waypoint mission, water drop and landing, in a 20 m box.
The 2025/26 aircraft
The 2026 IMechE UAS Challenge was QMUAS's first time competing in eight years.
Our first concept didn't perform well enough in analysis, so we went back and redesigned it: a bigger wing, a twin-motor layout and a streamlined carbon fibre fuselage.
It's built to fly the whole competition mission on autopilot, including take-off, the water payload drop and landing, with a safety pilot able to take over at any time.
At the competition it made it through scrutineering, passing the technical and safety checks needed to progress. We took on 54 teams from 16 countries, and our strongest results came from our design work.
Next season, we're building on this to take on the flight missions.
How we did in 2026
- Joint 11th Design and development specification105 of 140 points
- 21st Design score211 of 350 points
- 33rd Overall314 points
Rankings out of 54 teams, from the official 2026 final scores.
How we built it
From first sketch to the airfield, almost everything on the aircraft was designed and made by the team.
Build
The airframe is made in-house from carbon fibre composites and 3D-printed parts, using materials and training from our sponsors. We wired and integrated all of the electronics ourselves.
Test
Before it flies, we test in stages: electronics on the bench, missions in simulation, then ground tests of every system, so problems show up on the ground instead of in the air.
Gallery
Behind the scenes of building and flying our aircraft. Select a photo to see it larger.
-
Test-fitting the wing to the fuselage in the SEMS Makerspace.
-
Talking the aircraft through with a competition official at the 2026 IMechE UAS Challenge.
-
Competition officials checking over the aircraft on the airfield.
-
Working on the aircraft in the team tent.
The 2026/27 aircraft starts now.
We're recruiting for next season. No previous experience is needed, and you don't have to be on an aerospace course: last year's team included electrical engineers and foundation-year students.
How to join
- Buy the Standard Aerospace Society membership on the QMSU website. QMUAS is a society project, so membership is how you join the team. New members should buy this one. Only buy a QMUAS membership once the team tells you to.
- Come to workshops and junior team projects. Learn the tools, work on UAV concepts and get to know the team.
- Move up to the Senior Team. Junior members can progress to the team that builds and flies the competition aircraft.
Membership options
- Standard Membership
- Start here. This is the one to buy when you join: Aerospace Society projects, workshops and socials.
- QMUAS Junior Membership
- The Junior Team, workshops and UAV concept competitions. Only buy this if the QMUAS team asks you to.
- QMUAS Senior Membership
- Design, build and fly the aircraft in the IMechE UAS Challenge. Only buy this if the QMUAS team asks you to.
Where you could work
- AerostructuresAerodynamics, structural analysis, manufacturing and integration.
- PropulsionMotors, batteries, power systems and thrust testing.
- Avionics & softwareElectronics, hardware and software integration.
- PayloadDesigning the payload and automating its delivery.
- OperationsSponsorship, budgets, scheduling, outreach and this website.
Meet the team
This year's committee. Photos and names are being added as roles are confirmed.
Leadership
- IO
Project Lead
Imen Ouared
- MS
Chief Engineer
Morshid Sarker
- AF
Head of Operations
Ashraf Fahim
Technical leads
- AS
Aerostructures Lead
Name to be confirmed
- PL
Payload Lead
Name to be confirmed
- PR
Propulsion Lead
Name to be confirmed
- AV
Avionics & Software Lead
Name to be confirmed
- AV
Avionics & Software Deputy
Name to be confirmed
Academic supervisor: Dr Declan Carolan, School of Engineering and Materials Science
Where our alumni have gone
Former QMUAS members have gone on to work and study at:
