Russian Students Build Innovative Antenna Tracker for Drones

Engineering students in southern Russia are developing a next-generation antenna tracker with automated signal alignment, a project that could expand the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems.

Students from Don State Technical University are working on an advanced antenna tracker based on ELRS telemetry. The student engineering team, named Bespilot, aims to build a radio-electronic device capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting radio signals.

The system will feature automatic alignment, allowing the tracker to rotate independently toward the strongest available signal. This ensures reliable connectivity and higher-quality data transmission.

For the students, the project is both a hands-on learning experience and the creation of a genuinely innovative device. They have already defended the concept before experts and are now moving into the active development phase.

The young researchers are preparing for final certification and real-world testing. These trials are expected to confirm the reliability and effectiveness of the tracker for practical use in unmanned aerial systems.

Russian students are increasingly contributing to drone technology. Among recent innovations is an ornithopter drone that flaps its wings like a bird, making it valuable for studying wildlife in natural habitats and deterring animals near airports. The drone is also 3D-printed, meaning it can be reproduced easily and affordably.