Shaping the Future of Flight: Supporting the Next Generation of UAV Engineers
As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and the future of aviation, Leidos Australia is proud to sponsor a team of Engineering Honours students from the University of Adelaide, supporting their final-year project focused on next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
The project, titled Innovation in Wing Dynamics, explores morphing wing technology - an approach inspired by nature, where bird wings twist and flex to optimise flight. The student team set out to design, manufacture and test a wind-tunnel model of a UAV that can adapt its wing shape mid-flight to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Their work has the potential to influence the future design of sustainable, high-performance aircraft.
Throughout the year, the students - Marcus, Harry, Harrison, Isaac, and Karthik - have been mentored by Leidos Australia’s Head of Fleet, Reuben Chambers, who has provided industry insights and technical guidance. Reuben attended the University’s annual Ingenuity 2025 showcase to celebrate the team’s achievements and view the final model.
“The students have done a fantastic job completing their project on time and under budget,” said Reuben. “They successfully met their three key objectives - redesigning and rebuilding the UAV stand, external shell, and internal structure. The team demonstrated a high level of ingenuity and problem-solving, culminating in successful wind tunnel testing in early October. It’s wonderful that Leidos has been able to help such a bright group of young professionals succeed in their endeavour.”
Innovation in Action
Using a model of Boeing’s UCAV 1303 aircraft, the team redesigned the UAV with improved aerodynamics and detachable sections, allowing data-collection devices to be added inside. A new test stand was also developed to enable precise wind-tunnel testing. Their work addressed challenges encountered in previous project iterations, laying a strong foundation for continued research into morphing wing systems.
The project’s outcomes demonstrate how partnerships between industry and academia can drive genuine innovation, combining the creativity of emerging engineers with the real-world experience of aviation professionals.
Showcasing Ingenuity
The students presented their work at Ingenuity 2025, the University of Adelaide’s flagship STEM showcase. Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the event attracted more than 3,000 attendees, including students, educators, industry representatives and members of the public. Featuring over 200 projects from across the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Ingenuity provides a valuable platform for students to demonstrate their skills, share ideas and connect with future employers.
For Leidos, supporting initiatives like this is about more than sponsorship - it’s an investment in the next generation of aviation talent. By engaging with future engineers and providing real-world mentorship, we’re helping to shape a smarter, safer and more sustainable future for flight.
“It’s inspiring to see such passion and ingenuity in action,” said Reuben. “These students are exactly the kind of innovative thinkers who will help shape the next era of aerospace technology.”
