Advanced uncrewed aircraft systems propulsion, launch and recovery

About the project

Harness electrification to improve aerospace and robot applications

If you are keen to launch your career in computer science and motivated to improve Australia’s defence capabilities, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Industrial AI (IAI) Research Centre, in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group.

Electrification is progressing on many devices that have always depended on hydrocarbon fuels, propellants and consumable gases. In aerospace there are many advantages in safety, logistics and supply chain to removing these consumables and having an electrical and, ideally, renewable option. Electrical actuation and propulsion offers a high repeat rate, and it can be operated remotely and very quietly. 

But there are increasingly important issues around the range of launchers and ejectors used for releasing various autonomous systems. Another issue is the role that electrical actuation could play in the recovery of fixed wing uncrewed aircraft.

Also, linear launch to energy levels of 10–100 kJ remains difficult to plan into future technology options for aerospace and robotics applications, due to a lack of both models of fundamental components and theoretically supported engineering components. 
Electromagnetically attenuating impact forces through manipulating aerodynamic damping has also not been considered in existing aircraft, yet vertical forces are the primary cause of attrition of small uncrewed aircraft. 

Our goal is to develop a theoretically derived analytical framework that can guide the design of launch and recovery arrangements for uncrewed aerial systems, with consideration of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, energy and dimensions. 

We aim to change how uncrewed systems missions are conducted and offer a substantial refinement in logistics for consumables and assets involved in launch and recovery phases of uncrewed systems flight.

You will be based in the IAI Research Centre. Our Centre boasts worldclass facilities and equipment that will be available to you throughout the project. You will also benefit from the mentorship and leadership of experts in their fields. The Centre has strong partnerships with industry and government so you will have a solid platform from which to grow your professional network. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will empirically test components, test scale models, and carry out aircraft simulations. You will produce several experimental artefacts that test the framework.

We will support you to develop and submit articles to high-ranking journals. 

This projects offers you several opportunities to engage with our industry collaborators and partners, including the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Army and the Defence Science and Technology Group, and Sovereign Propulsion Systems. 

Upon completion, you will have enviable hands-on experience and enhanced communication and collaboration skills which will position you well for a career in academia, government or industry. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based within the IAI Research Centre. We bring together experts from across computer sciences to develop solutions for autonomous and augmented intelligence systems. We are a part of the global revolution in artificial intelligence, machine learning, Industry 4.0 and Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies. 

Our researchers work with organisations around the world to develop solutions that cater to their specific needs. We have worked with Siemens, BP Australia, Yokogawa Electric and more, growing these partnerships over time to continually design sophisticated AI-driven solutions. 

The Industrial AI Research Centre has the skills and knowledge to meet demand and lead the next technological revolution Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available.
Applications close on Thursday 28 November.