A research team based at the University of Southampton consisting of academics, staff, post-graduate researchers and undergraduate students. We design, manufacture and fly uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a research perspective. Many of our systems make use of cutting-edge design methods, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and novel applications of technology.
We design drones as both research platforms and as platforms to carry research equipment. Often this requires a bespoke design or a special interface between the equipment.
We develop and manufacture our platforms in-house using state-of-the-art techniques. We also constantly upgrade our designs to ensure they are at the cutting-edge of technology.
We fly our systems to test new designs and to perform research. Although most of our flights are in the UK, we have flown in several remote and challenging locations such as Antarctica.
All our research is born and fostered from our offices and labs in the University of Southampton's Boldrewood Innovation Campus in Southampton, UK. Hanging from the ceiling of the lab are several of our in-house built platforms and other research vehicles. The work surfaces and shelves are dotted with new designs, research payloads and prototyped parts and the walls are home to photos, system diagrams and whiteboards full of doodles.
We have a state-of-the-art Mobile Command Control and Communication (MC3) vehicle which is equipped to support any field test. They act as a lab-on-wheels, allowing flight operations and data analysis to be conducted with ease.
As a research group within the University of Southampton we have access to many incredible facilities such as the R. J. Mitchell wind tunnel and the host of manufacturing tools and equipment. This allows us to rapidly turn our ideas into reality.
Somebody once said "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team". This is true of the team behind Soton UAV. We each have our individual strengths and are all passionate about our work. But together, we are driven, as a team, to excel at what we do. Our team is forever dynamic. Due to the amount and type of projects we work on our team numbers are constantly fluctuating, but here is an introduction to the core members.
Our research often involves designing bespoke uncrewed aerial vehicles or utilising existing platforms to either carry research equipment or undergo modifications to test novel designs and ideas. Below is a sample of some of our platforms that we have designed and operate.
Our research workhorse with a 4 m wingspan and payload capability of 5 kg.
Our vertical take-off and landing aircraft for research applications.
A 350 kg maximum take-off mass aircraft for cargo and aid delivery.
Fire/Fast incident response equipment for the description of noxious particle emissions.
As a research team, we are heavily involved in many different projects and collaborations. These exciting areas of research keep us motivated to apply our collective knowledge and skills to solve problems, create solutions, and perform research at the cutting-edge of our field.