ICAV SPI students assembling the aircraft wing in the workshop

Our team

Built by us.
Flown by us.

Students from across Imperial, brought together by aviation.

ICAV SPI · In the workshop

Who we are

Our team
at Imperial.

Around 20 of us work across aerodynamics, structures, electronics and flight operations. We take the aircraft from design reviews and workshop assembly to the flying field.

The ICAV SPI team transporting the demonstrator on the London Underground
Getting to the flight lineJustin Ku / Felix

Beyond the workshop

The journey
to the field.

A 4.2 m wingspan makes for an unusual trip on the Tube.

Working together

From review
to flight.

We compare the aircraft’s behaviour in flight with our predictions, then take the findings back to the workshop. Launch procedures, controls and the airframe all form part of that review.

ICAV SPI students preparing the aircraft on the field before a flight test
Preparing for flight · Wormwood Scrubs

How we work

Our subteams.

Each subteam owns a different part of the project. Design reviews, workshop sessions and flight days bring that work together.

01

Aerodynamics

We study wing shape and flexibility, using performance analysis and aeroelastic models to inform the design.

02

Structures

We design and make the airframe, balancing weight and stiffness with practical assembly and transport.

03

Electronics + Controls

We bring together power systems, onboard electronics and flight controls, and record data from the aircraft.

04

Flight Operations

We plan test flights, prepare launch procedures and review the aircraft’s performance afterwards.

05

Outreach

We share the project at events and build relationships with people and organisations that can support the work.

An aircraft component being machined in the workshop

Partnerships

Supported by
RS.

The RS Student Fund supports our manufacturing and development work.

See our RS project profile ↗

January 2026 · Wormwood Scrubs

Our flight
test crew.

ICAV SPI students fitting the aircraft nose and checking the assembly on test day

Want to build with us?

Tell us what you would like to work on, or how your organisation could support the project.