This year, we set out to build a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) capable of autonomous humanitarian and cargo missions. As a university club, we unite a community of students driven by a shared passion for aerospace technology, specializing in UAV design and construction. Our mission extends beyond innovation – we tackle real-world challenges in engineering, education, and research, shaping the future of autonomous aviation.
As the “JetStream” team, we have achieved international success, competing against teams from universities ranked in the top 100 of the Shanghai Ranking. We have won many awards, including gold medals at the prestigious SAE Aero Design competitions. Over the past 6 years, we have reached the podium 72 times.Our activities include research and development, organization of scientific conferences and aerospace competitions.
The Champions Team
Structure
The team of almost 40 people is organized into 4 main departments that work on several projects:
- Mechanical-aerodynamic department – designs each aircraft component in 3D CAD technology using Solidworks and conducts strength calculations and aerodynamic analyses.
- IT department – creates and improves autonomous drone mission systems, image processing systems using neural networks, systems for telemetry and data visualization. It also specializes in UAV navigation systems calculating position based on GPS and camera view.
- Electronics department – enables the interoperability of electronic systems. It is responsible for the implementation and integration of radio communication systems that allow for controlling the aircraft during flight. It adapts drones to specific tasks and missions.
- Marketing department – organizes events, creates projects for the academic community and manages social media.
The work is coordinated by the so-called ‘team leaders’, who overlook the progress at each stage of the project. Supervision is exercised by a three person executive board of the Academic Club, which is responsible for finances and logistics as well as sponsorship agreements. Their knowledge is crucial when it comes to the manufacturing and design of UAVs.
Work Style
We operate on a waterfall model. Our success is based on the use of Agile, which allows us to quickly adapt to changes in the project. The Scrum framework facilitates our workflow and information exchange. Considering the disadvantages of working remotely from recent years, the leaders dedicate more time to weekly review, summarize weekly sprints and conduct quick daily stand-ups. The Kanban board has allowed us to conveniently coordinate work on specific components and manage potential chaos during project execution. We use a messaging app for daily task planning and sharing materials such as videos and photos from workshop activities.Through collaborative work, we foster strong bonds among team members. We organize team-building activities such as hiking, go-karting, and billiards.
Project phase
The following list describes the key outputs of each phase as depicted in the project management system (see Figure 1):
- Phase I – Gantt chart, score calculation and initial model visualization.
- Phase II – “Spike” and detailed 3D model design.
- Phase III – Model revisions and materials procurement.
- Phase IV – Construction of load-bearing elements and UAV components.
- Phase V – UAV testing and technical documentation.
Figure 1. Project management system
Source: Advanced Class Technical Report, Wroclaw University of Science and TechnologyUAV Engineering
From Concept to Prototype
The season kicks off with the release of the competition rules, usually at the end of summer. First, there is a meeting of the entire club, where the requirements are discussed together and the work ahead is planned. To effectively organize the project timeline, the team uses a Gantt chart, providing a clear and accessible overview of task deadlines and milestones. This allows us to monitor progress and proactively address any potential project delays.
Then the weekly meetings begin. There are three competitive classes: Advanced, Regular and Micro. Team leaders for each class are appointed and the concept for each UAV is defined.Team leaders then assign specific roles, such as:
- aerodynamic analyst,
- electronics engineer,
- IT specialist,
- mechanic,
- structural analyst,
- UAV pilot.
In the following meetings each team focuses on defining individual tasks and deadlines. Team leaders monitor progress and maintain team organization to prevent delays. The SAE Aero Design competition typically occurs less than 6 months after the rules are released, leaving us with minimal room for adjustments.
Engineering Challenges
UAV construction begins with a team brainstorming session involving the entire club. After reviewing the rules and calculating the scoring for different UAV configurations, the most valuable one in terms of points and feasibility is selected. Within approximately two weeks, a “spike” is created using simple materials.
Over the following 2-3 months, the main structure is developed and data analysis is conducted. Before arriving at the final version of the aircraft, around 20 versions of a single 3D model are created.
Logistics
The logistics coordinator from the management board sends inquiries to companies, manages relationships with suppliers, and orders the necessary materials. The main expenses are electronic components or raw materials, which include:
- “New School” materials, such as composite materials and 3D printing filaments.
- “Old School” materials, like balsa wood, plywood, and foam, are known for their ease of processing, low cost, and good strength-to-weight ratios.
The delivery time of materials and equipment can vary since some are produced in Poland, while others come from countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, the USA or even China. Therefore, the aircraft construction schedule is closely tied to the availability of materials. For instance, if a complete set of materials required for building a wing is available, the wing construction begins. Responsibilities also include organizing the whole two-week trip and shipping the crate with tools and constructions to the USA, which involves navigating administrative challenges from various institutions.
Technologies
Innovations arise from unconventional thinking and experimentation, seeking new solutions without adhering to traditional “well-trodden paths”. When building UAVs, technologies such as advanced electronic components including flight controllers, computers, connectors, radionavigation systems, GPS, vision systems, and autonomy controllers are used. Composite material manufacturing techniques, such as infusion, hand layup, or RTM, are innovative technologies employed in the aerospace industry and in our small team as well.Electronics and software development involve developing complex algorithms, building neural networks, and integrating data from various sensors into a cohesive system using specialized equipment. For example, integrating data related to position, orientation relative to the horizon, flight speed and altitude into a unified flight controller using a PCB and developing a flight autonomy program based on this data.
Recruitment
At the beginning of the academic year, we recruit new members! The goal is to identify individuals who show commitment and a will to learn. We believe that at the beginning, the will to learn is more important than having skills or knowledge. This is why we already invite recruits to the workshop while conducting interviews. The new recruits are obligated to partake in a series of classes. The recruitment process consists of several stages:
- recruitment survey,
- information meeting with team integration,
- interviews,
- lectures,
- workshop practice,
- selection,
- evaluation.
We focus on practical experience and quick onboarding. The knowledge we share during lectures is the result of work, research, and the experiences of generations of alumnus, often found out through trial and error. It represents a valuable “know-how”.
Aviation enthusiast and private pilot. Currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Wrocław University of Science and Technology and actively involved in a student research group. Passionate about sports and hiking. Always strives for optimization. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and traveling.
[PL] Student zarządzania na Politechnice Wrocławskiej. Zawsze gotowy do działania, z głową pełną pomysłów. W wolnym czasie pasjonuje się lotnictwem, a jego życie to jedna wielka niekończąca się przygoda. Jest zaangażowany w tworzenie i realizację projektów społecznych.
[ENG] Management student at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Always ready for action, with a head full of ideas. In his free time he is passionate about aviation and his life is one big never-ending adventure. He creates and is involved in social projects.