1st Place Global KFUPM Team for SUAS 2026
OUR AIRCRAFT
Meet ASCENT-1
1
Payload & Release Mechanism
Custom system that drops both the beacon and bottle.
2
Jetson Nano
Companion computer running mission software in a custom 3D enclosure.
3
GPS Module
High precision GNSS receiver for autonomous navigation.
4
Herelink Air Unit (HAU)
Digital link carrying telemetry, and video to the GS.
Payload
Jetson Nano
GPS
HAU
Camera
Cube Orange+
Carbon Frame
Battery Box
5
Vision Camera
Primary vision sensor for aerial object detection.
6
Cube Orange+
ArduPilot autopilot handling navigation, and waypoints.
7
Carbon Fiber Frame
Lightweight carbon fiber airframe — rigid at low weight.
8
Custom Battery Box
Enclosure for our upgraded power and quick battery swaps.
Proven at SUAS 2026
Our Certificates & Awards
Autonomous Flight
Computer Vision
Mission Planning
Payload Systems
Flight Testing
SUAS 2026
KFUPM ASCENT · SUAS 2026
A Student Team Built for Competition
On our very first appearance at the Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) competition, KFUPM ASCENT achieved an unprecedented result among debut teams worldwide
1st
Mission — 1st in the World
Global winner · SUAS 2026
1st
MathWorks Sponsor Award
5th
Website Category
11th
Technical Design Report
- Autonomous Flight
- Computer Vision
- Payload Systems
- System Integration
- Power Management
Tactical Precision
Watch KFUPM ASCENT's official Proof of Flight Readiness video — a complete demonstration of controlled flight, verifying our aircraft's airworthiness and system readiness.
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ENGINEERING BLOG
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