Overview
The Peregrine pushes the boundaries of aerospace engineering by designing, optimizing, manufacturing, and flight-testing an innovative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) featuring a Blended Wing Body (BWB) configuration. Using additive manufacturing techniques, this project helps pave the future of sustainable and high-performance aviation.
The Background
The Peregrine is Carleton University’s final-year aerospace capstone, inspired by the speed and form of the peregrine falcon. Our team is committed to advancing sustainable aerospace innovation through additive manufacturing and aerodynamic design.
The Peregrine’s mission is to showcase a practical blended wing design in unmanned flight, using 3D printing to create smooth, complex structures that traditional methods can’t easily achieve. Alongside technical development, our team aims to share research at academic conferences and journals, while collaborating with industry experts to align our work with real-world aerospace practices.
By blending practical experience with engineering theory, The Peregrine gives students the tools to shape the future of aerospace—where innovation meets efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability.
The Rollout
Our team aims to use our funds to support the design, fabrication, and flight testing of The Peregrine UAV. The funds will help cover materials for manufacturing, simulation tools, testing equipment, and outreach efforts to ensure a successful demonstration. Furthermore, as we complete our initial flight (which is happening very soon!), these funds will also help us take The Peregrine to the next level: developing autonomous flight capabilities.
The Impact
The Peregrine BWB is inspiring the next generation of aerospace engineers by giving students direct experience in the fast-moving world of drone technology. Through hands-on innovation, students explore the future of unmanned aerial systems. As UAVs advance toward fully autonomous flight, capable of operating in remote or hazardous environments, possibilities for more efficient and sustainable aviation open up. This technology holds transformative potential across industries like agriculture, security, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response.