09/24/2021 12:00:00 AMUNT engineering researchers are rethinking the way Unmanned Aerial Vehicles operate. Campus NewsUNT NewsCollege of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineeringstory A core group of UNT engineering researchers are rethinking the way Unmanned Aerial Vehicles operate as part of an initiative to improve battlefield efficiency and soldier safety for the U.S. Army. Kamesh Namuduri, professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering; assistant professor Hector Siller, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; and Nandika D'Souza, University Regents Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering have developed a lightweight drone using specially designed materials and additive manufacturing with a goal of improving the UAV's ability to fly farther and carry more payload, such as increased sensors, supplies or munitions for military units. The initiative is front and center for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory. Learn more about the research.