UCLR Team Nova: Who are we?
At UCLR Team Nova, we are a group of passionate and innovative student engineers committed to pushing the boundaries of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology. Our team is part of UCL Racing and represents a diverse blend of talents, from first-year undergraduates to postgraduate researchers. Together, we design, build, and refine cutting-edge UAVs, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
This year, with the help of RS, we’re excited to announce new projects, aiming for greater flight performance and efficiency; whilst having a ton of fun on the way.
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The IMechE UAS Challenge
The IMechE UAS Challenge is an esteemed annual competition organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in the United Kingdom, bringing together the brightest minds in UAV design and engineering. The challenge is further supported by numerous leading companies, including Spirit AeroSystems, Leonardo Aerospace, and Callen Lenz, who provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to teams throughout the year as they navigate the complexities of UAV design and development. This aligns with the competition’s core objective; to nurture emerging talent and equip students with the essential skills needed to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic industry.
What are we doing this year?
This year, we are thrilled to showcase two exciting projects: Project RAPTOR, an all-first-year-led initiative developing a quadcopter UAV, and Project VECTAIR, a sophisticated VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft aimed at advancing UAV capabilities. Both projects are central to our participation in the prestigious IMechE UAS Challenge 2025, where we’ll compete against teams worldwide to demonstrate the transformative potential of UAVs in humanitarian aid missions.
The Ultimate Mission...
Our aim is to inspire fellow student engineers by demonstrating what is possible through collaboration, innovation, and perseverance. Success for us isn’t just measured in competition results but also in the knowledge gained, skills developed, and the real-world impact of our work. By bridging academic learning with practical application, we hope to lead the way in shaping the future of autonomous aviation.
Conclusion
We’re grateful to RS for supporting us on this journey and truly appreciate their support. We are eager for this new season, and hope that this story will have inspired some of you :) To all fellow students and engineers: don’t hesitate to take on ambitious projects—and always remember THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
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