What is SUAS?

The SUAS program is an international student competition created to foster a community of innovators who contribute to advancements in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Its mission is carried out by offering a platform where students and practitioners in robotics and autonomous flight can collaborate, exchange ideas, and push the boundaries of aerial system technologies. As part of the competition, teams are also required to document their design process in accordance with the guidelines provided in the Team Handbook.

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The SUAS competition aims to spark interest in unmanned aerial systems, inspire innovation in emerging technologies, and prepare students for future careers in the field. Participants are challenged to design, integrate, document, and demonstrate a fully functional UAS capable of autonomous flight, waypoint navigation, payload-based remote sensing, and completion of defined mission objectives. This annual event has been held since 2002.