Project Huia

Project Huia is UC Aerospace’s experimental aircraft program, focused on developing a high-performance Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) aircraft. The long-term objective is to exceed the current EDF RC speed record of 492 km/h, setting a new benchmark for student-developed aerospace vehicles. The aircraft is designed as a modular testbed for future high-speed development and record attempts.

Development Teams

The project is led by two Final Year Project teams working together:

Structures and Aerodynamics

• Composite airframe design and manufacturing
• CFD-driven aerodynamic design and validation
• Structural analysis and modular airframe construction
• Propulsion integration and launch system development

Controls and Telemetry

• Flight computer and avionics architecture
• Real-time telemetry and data acquisition systems
• Flight control modelling and closed-loop control development
• RF communication and onboard sensor integration

Note: The plane image above is an artistic concept render.