The Sloopy Works Unveils Record-Breaking Emergency Rescue Drone, STUART

Ohio State Team Sets New Record in GoAERO Prize Competition

A team at The Ohio State University, known as The Sloopy Works, has developed a prototype autonomous emergency rescue flight vehicle named "STUART." The project is part of the GoAERO Prize, an international competition focused on designing new medical aircraft for first responders.

The team's creation has set a new university record for the heaviest drone to successfully achieve vertical takeoff and autonomous flight.

The team's creation has set a new university record for the heaviest drone to successfully achieve vertical takeoff and autonomous flight.

STUART: A Prototype with Impressive Specifications

STUART weighs 120 pounds and has a span of nearly 8 feet. Despite being approximately one-third the size of its intended full-scale version, its lifted weight is 70% greater than an Ohio State autonomous drone that set a world speed record in 2017.

Kevin Disotell, a research scientist and team director, noted that the team developed the vehicle within one year, a process that typically takes aerospace companies five or more years.

The team developed the vehicle within one year, a process that typically takes aerospace companies five or more years.

The Road Ahead: GoAERO Prize Stages

The GoAERO Prize is a three-stage competition with a total prize purse of $2 million. Stage 1 involved aircraft design, and Stage 2 required drones to complete a 100-foot flight with a small payload.

Stage 3, scheduled for 2027, will feature a final fly-off at NASA's Ames Research Center, where vehicles must carry a 125-pound manikin through an obstacle course.

Stage 3, scheduled for 2027, will feature a final fly-off at NASA's Ames Research Center, where vehicles must carry a 125-pound manikin through an obstacle course.

Addressing "Ambulance Deserts" with Autonomous Aid

Ohio State was one of 14 university entries from the United States to receive concept-building funds from NASA's University Innovation project. Autonomous vehicles like STUART are being developed to overcome obstacles, assess situations, and reach remote areas inaccessible to humans.

These drones could address issues like "ambulance deserts," areas where emergency services may take 25 minutes or longer to arrive, by delivering life-saving supplies such as bandages, medicines, and blood bags.

These drones could address issues like "ambulance deserts," areas where emergency services may take 25 minutes or longer to arrive, by delivering life-saving supplies such as bandages, medicines, and blood bags.

STUART's Design Philosophy and Namesake

STUART, named after Stuart Roberts, who developed the first hospital-based medical helicopter rescue program at Ohio State, was designed for vertical takeoff and landing.

Co-advised by Matthew McCrink, STUART features powerful propellers enclosed in ducts for protection and uses onboard computers for real-time autonomous control.

STUART features powerful propellers enclosed in ducts for protection and uses onboard computers for real-time autonomous control.

Successful Flight Test Paves the Way Forward

During a flight attempt at The Ohio State University Airport, STUART reached the 100-foot marker, flying at 23 feet above ground at an average speed of approximately 3.4 feet per second. This demonstration provided valuable engineering data.

The team plans to present their flight test results at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Aviation Forum in June. Although the team did not win a Stage 2 prize, they intend to continue in the competition.

Although the team did not win a Stage 2 prize, they intend to continue in the competition.