Bristol Drone Society · IMechE UAS Challenge · 2026

Wing fabrication for an autonomous competition aircraft

Bristol Drone Society built an autonomous fixed wing aircraft for the 2026 IMechE UAS Challenge, and I contributed to its wing fabrication.

My contribution

I helped the team build the wooden wing structures, made the carbon fibre leading edges and helped glue, cut and sand the wings.

National final, June to July 2026

The competition aircraft with its wing structure and carbon-fibre leading edge visible — The Drone Society aircraft at the national final.

Two completed wooden wing frames with carbon-fibre leading edges on a workshop table — The completed wing frames with their carbon-fibre leading edges, June 2026.

Building the wooden wings

The wings were built from wooden ribs set out along the spar and joined into complete frames; I worked with the team cutting, fitting and gluing the parts.

Bonding a leading edge to the wing. I am on the right, wearing headphones. Select the video to play it.

Fabricating the wings

Several of us held a carbon fibre leading edge in place on the ribs while the epoxy cured; I am on the right, wearing headphones.

At the national final

At the national final, 29 June to 2 July 2026, the aircraft took off and flew in autonomous mode.

The Drone Society aircraft in autonomous flight at the national final. Select the video to play it.

Juan giving a thumbs up beside the aircraft with Bristol Drone Society teammates — With the Bristol Drone Society team and aircraft at the national final, 2026.

With the team at the final

I joined the team at the national final.

Tools and methods

Balsa and plywood construction, carbon fibre, epoxy