Northrop to Back UAS Design Challenge for Engineering Students; Andrew Tyler Comments

Northrop Grumman will sponsor an unmanned aircraft system challenge, hosted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, for the third consecutive year as part of the company’s global commitment to foster innovative thinking in engineering and technology.

Northrop said Thursday student engineers from 22 universities across the U.K. and overseas locations will participate in the competition that requires teams to design and build UAS.

Participants will control the drones remotely to perform tasks such as area search, waypoint navigation and payload delivery and return via a defined route as well as demonstrate a capacity to perform humanitarian supply mission scenarios.

“Unmanned aircraft systems have been transformational in the past decade and now have a wide range of proven applications not just in defense but also in civil missions such as environmental monitoring, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations,” said Andrew Tyler, CEO of Northrop’s European operations.

“This competition provides an opportunity for students to broaden their understanding of UAS technologies and learn practical aerospace engineering skills which we hope will help to encourage them to pursue careers in engineering.” Tyler added.