Project title: Coordinated Flight of Multi-UAS Formation in Contained/Restricted Environments
Eligibility: Indonesian nationals
Duration: Full-Time – between three and four years fixed term
Application deadline:
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2026
For further details contact: Dr. Rianto Adhy Sasongko, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. (ITB, radhys@itb.ac.id), Dr. Thomas Statheros (CU, thomas.statheros@coventry.ac.uk)

Introduction

Implementation of UAS technology has became one of the most explored engineering applications recently. UAS technology has been exploited as an effective solution for various problems, in various form of implementation.

Multi UAS which operate in a coordinated way can be exploited for some type of missions, such as for carrying/moving a heavy load following a path to a specific location,  observing and monitoring an object from different angle/side simultaneously, etc.

In this task, the UAS units must have system that can provide coordination among them to maneuver, by considering the chosen trajectory to reach the target, the obstacles or restricting environments that may be encountered, the safe distance between rotorcrafts, and also the dynamics/motion of the load (suppose the load is tethered to each rotorcrafts, and it can sway to any direction) that can affect the dynamic response of the UAS units.

Project Details

The research focusses on development of system for coordinating  the operation of multi UAS (rotorcraft) system for performing mission in contained/urban environment. Mission such as a group of 2 or 3 (or more) rotorcrafts flying in coordination to lift and move a load through some obstacles can be the example of task to be accomplished.

In this case, some issues must be addresses, such as the trajectory planning, independence and coordination of rotorcrafts, data transmission/communication, navigation and environment detection (sensors) system, flight control and guidance systems, and safety aspects. For trajectory planning, it can be elaborated the implementation of full predetermined approach or combination of predetermined and online environment detection approach. Coordination of the rotorcrafts is also a key factor, since in this problem, the coordination must take into account the movement of  the rotorcrafts to move the load, the relative movement between rotorcraft, and also anticipate the movement of each rotorcraft when facing obstacles or when maneuvering through restricted space.

Objectives :
  • To elaborate and evaluate the coordination approach/method required for the mission, by considering the level of required group task/movement and the independency of each rotorcraft.
  • To define the trajectory determination approach, by considering the possibility of changing environments/conditions
  • To explore and evaluate the control and navigation algorithm required for the task
  • To determine and construct the architecture of the flight system for the implementation of the mission system
  • To develop and analyse the system through simulation/digital twins approach, HILS, and implementation on real system in scaled environments
  • To assess and analyse the performance and robustness of the developed system

Funding

Tuition fees and bursary from LPDP or PDDI

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal, and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

  • A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

  • The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
  • A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).
Additional Requirements
  • Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable, including but not limited to:
    1. Aerospace Engineering
    2. Control Engineering
    3. Electrical Engineering
    4. Mechanical Engineering
  • Applicants should have good knowledge and skill in :
    1. Mathematics/Quantitative analysis (e.g., dynamic modelling, control theory, flight dynamics, numerical simulation)
    2. Programming skill (Matlab, Phyton, etc)
    3. Hardware development
    4. Academic/technical writing skills