TEAM

INTRODUCING CRANEAERO

CraneAERO is a multidisciplinary team from Cranfield University, dedicated to transforming emergency response through advanced aerial mobility. Our flagship innovation, the Cranfield Rapid Aerial Network for Emergency (CRANE), is a remotely piloted quadrotor eVTOL designed to carry people and payloads with autonomy and situational awareness. Engineered for rapid deployment in disaster zones, CRANE aims to revolutionize emergency response by delivering aid faster and more efficiently.

Our collaboration with Cranfield University provides access to unique facilities, including our own airport and runway, enabling real-world testing and development of cutting-edge aerospace technologies. This partnership enhances our ability to create innovative solutions that address critical gaps in current emergency response systems.Cranfield University

By leveraging Cranfield’s expertise in aerospace engineering and our team’s commitment to innovation, CraneAERO is poised to make a significant impact in the field of emergency response.

CraneAERO is the only UK team—one of just 11 globally—to win the Stage 1 $10,000 GoAERO Challenge prize, and one of only eight Stage 2 Prototype Winners selected from 198 teams across 85 countries worldwide.

Minds in Motion. Missions in Focus

A bold team of innovators pushing the limits of emergency aviation.

United by Innovation. Powered by Cranfield

A diverse team backed by world-class research, solving real-world crises from the sky.

PROJECT LEADERS AND DEPARTMENTS

Dmitry Ignatyev

Project Director / Work Package Lead Situation Awareness & Software

Muhammad Haad Shaikh

Project Lead / WP Lead GNC & Airworthiness and Testing

Caghan Turner

Work Package Lead Mechanical Design & Manufacturing

Nidhi Nischal

Work Package Lead: Marketing & Outreach

Anan Joy Antony

Work Package Lead Aircraft Design Aerodynamics

Grace Elisha

Work Package Lead Electronics & Propulsion

Komsun Tamanakijprasart

Work Package Co-Lead: Guidance Navigation & Control

Himanshu Pandit

Work Package Lead: Funding & Sponsorship

Krishnakanth Mohanta

Work Package Lead RF and Communications

Alejandro Pacheco Nuñez

Graphic Designer

Systems Engineering and Integration

Systems Engineering and Integration Orchestrates system-level coordination across all subsystems, ensuring functional alignment and interface compatibility. Prepares the CRANE for seamless integration and validation in advanced development stages.

Aircraft Design and Aerodynamics

Aircraft Design and Aerodynamics Optimizes aerodynamic performance, structural efficiency, and flight stability using advanced computational models. Balances safety, weight, and operational demands for emergency scenarios.

Airworthiness and Testing Validates

Airworthiness and Testing Validates safety and regulatory compliance through rigorous testing protocols. Ensures the CRANE meets UK CAA and international standards for operational readiness.

Electronics and Propulsion

Electronics and Propulsion Develops cutting-edge electric propulsion systems and power management solutions. Integrates avionics and sensors for reliable flight control and energy efficiency.

Funding and Sponsorship

Funding and Sponsorship Secures financial partnerships and manages sponsorships to sustain project momentum. Aligns stakeholder interests with CraneAERO’s mission for scalable impact.

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Designs

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Designs autonomous flight algorithms for precise navigation in dynamic environments. Ensures stability, obstacle avoidance, and mission adaptability under challenging conditions.

Mechanical Design, Structures, and Prototyping

Mechanical Design, Structures, and Prototyping Engineers lightweight, durable airframe components and oversees physical prototyping. Focuses on manufacturability and crashworthiness for real-world deployment.

Marketing and Outreach Builds

Marketing and Outreach Builds public awareness and stakeholder engagement through strategic campaigns. Highlights CRANE’s societal impact and Cranfield’s leadership in aerial mobility innovation.

Payload Handling and Storage

Payload Handling and Storage Designs modular cargo systems for rapid loading/unloading of medical supplies and equipment. Prioritizes secure, adaptable storage solutions for diverse emergency payloads.

Radio Frequency and Communications

Radio Frequency and Communications Develops resilient communication links for remote piloting and real-time data exchange. Ensures low-latency connectivity in disaster-affected or signal-limited zones.

Situation Awareness and Software Engineers

Situation Awareness and Software Engineers the AI-driven “intelligence” of the CRANE, including vision systems for real-time environmental analysis. Develops machine learning algorithms for obstacle detection, route optimization, and autonomous decision-making in complex scenarios.

Support Us

Help accelerate our mission and expand the reach of our autonomous eVTOL aircraft in emergency response. Your support fuels critical R&D, builds prototypes and brings us closer to real-world deployments where every second counts.

Join Us

Become part of the CraneAERO team and help shape the future of autonomous emergency aviation. Whether you're an engineer, a software developer, a materials specialist, or a project manager, you'll find opportunities to apply your skills, grow professionally, and contribute directly.