In a corner of the iForge Makerspace, a small group of engineering students are hunched over a machine whirring and lighting up as it cuts intricate designs through plywood.
It’s just the beginning of the term but Project Kestrel is keen to get a start on manufacturing an autonomous drone that’s fully capable of competing in the iMechE UAS challenge next year.
Project Kestrel is an engineering project and drone team made up of students from the University of Sheffield, focused on the sustainable design and manufacture of unmanned aircraft; an aircraft that resembles its namesake with its pointed wings and a long tail. 
“Our project was founded in 2019 by a group of former alumni, and since then we’ve dedicated each year to growing the project, designing bigger and better drones and taking part in engineering challenges across the world!” explains Mohammad Askari, a fourth year MEng Aerospace Engineering with Private Pilot Instruction student.
Mohammad, or Mo as he prefers, is the Project Lead this year, and is tasked with the hefty responsibility of organising the dozens of students involved in the project. His responsibilities have only grown since he first started two years ago.
“I first joined the project in 2021 as a member of the flight control team, and gradually moved up to become avionics lead for my team. In 2 years, I’ve seen the project grow from 10 to 50+ members, bringing together students from every discipline; from business and digital media to computer science and aerospace.”
It has been a massive challenge but also one that has been exceedingly rewarding.
“Despite the struggles of lockdown and the cancellation of our previous competition in Africa, for which we designed a VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) drone to remotely deliver medical supplies, we have achieved and prototyped some amazing things.
“This year, we’re putting those designs to the test by entering the 2024 iMechE UAS Challenge. We’re aiming for a win!”
Although Mo has lots of experience under his belt, he doesn’t expect all members to be pros.
“At Kestrel, we put a massive focus on the training and upskilling of new students. We have a dedicated onboarding program that runs each year to give students the skills they need to contribute efficiently.
“We also place major emphasis on diversity and inclusion, ensuring people from underrepresented backgrounds, especially women and those in the BAME community, are given the opportunities and representation they need to feel comfortable contributing to the project.”
