Leonardo supports next generation of engineers at 2026 IMechE UAS Challenge

The competition challenges participants to complete a full engineering design cycle – from concept development and simulation through to manufacturing, flight testing and business planning. Starting in the autumn term, students develop autonomous aircraft capable of completing a demanding mission brief before presenting their work at the finals event. 

This year’s fly-off finals at BMFA Buckminster brought together a record number of universities from across the globe to showcase their engineering talent. 

Leonardo’s mentors from its Yeovil site worked with teams from the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England (UWE) and the University of Sheffield. The mentoring team comprised Macaulay Dale, Senior Engineer – Mission Management Systems; Edwin Herrera, Autonomy & Connected Systems Technologist; and Christian Boaitey and Bikal Adhikari, both Engineers – Analyst (Structures). Together, they supported students throughout the academic year, providing industry insight and guidance as teams developed their aircraft and prepared for the finals. 

This year's challenge introduced a new agricultural-themed mission, requiring aircraft to autonomously take off, transit to a target location, accurately drop water to simulate crop spraying and safely return to base. Teams demonstrated a diverse range of innovative designs, including traditional fixed-wing aircraft, quadcopters, tiltrotors and blended-wing configurations. 

Adding to the complexity of the challenge, autonomous missions were conducted before the manual flight assessments. Prior to flying, teams had to assemble their aircraft from transport containers within a strict time limit and successfully pass scrutineering checks covering design compliance and airworthiness. 

Both Bristol and UWE successfully demonstrated their aircraft in flight during the finals, with the University of Bristol achieving full marks in the manual flight handling assessment. 

The event also provided an opportunity for Leonardo employees to engage directly with aspiring engineers and promote early careers opportunities within the business, sharing industry insight and representing Leonardo at the awards ceremony. 

At the closing ceremony, Leonardo’s Macaulay Dale, Senior Engineer – Mission Management Systems, presented the Simulation Award, while Nick Girling, Chief Systems Reliability & Safety Engineer – Military Aircraft, presented the Safety Award. 

Reflecting on the event, Bikal Adhikari said: "Mentoring UWE for the UAS Challenge was an incredible experience. Engaging with the students throughout the competition gave me a profound appreciation for their work ethic, drive and technical talent. It was a privilege to represent our UK Helicopters business at the event, showcasing our opportunities to the next generation of engineers. Networking with these bright young engineers from over 38 universities around the world was genuinely rewarding, and I hope our collaboration inspires them to join us in shaping the future of the industry."