The UAS Challenge international drone design competition has attracted a record 38 university teams for 2020, comprising hundreds of young engineers from as far afield as Turkey, Denmark and Canada, together with newcomers from India and Bangladesh.

The competition — organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers — is moving and will take place next year at the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) National Centre on 17-20 June 2020.

University teams from across the world enter this year-long competition to design and build drones to fulfil a ‘humanitarian aid mission’.

Paul Lloyd, chairman of the IMechE UAS Challenge steering group, said: “The BMFA site at Buckminster offers the UAS Challenge an excellent opportunity to continue to grow.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the BMFA and our sponsors to ensure that we offer the university teams a first-class event that not only supports their educational journey but also exposes them to the exciting world of working in aerospace.”

Manny Williamson, BMFA development officer and National Centre manager, said: “The British Model Flying Association is extremely pleased to be hosting the 2020 IMechE UAS Challenge.

“The Buckminster site will provide the perfect location for the Challenge; we look forward to welcoming teams next June and supporting the IMechE team throughout the competition cycle.”

The UAS Challenge is supported by GKN Aerospace, Bombardier, Qinetiq, Leonardo, Meggitt, Raytheon, Fraser-Nash and Mashoom.

Further details can be found at the Web site (www.imeche.org/events/challenges/uas-challenge).