The GFS Fenstar, a flying saucer- shaped Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (UAV) was part of Team MIRA during the challenge. The judges awarded the team a certificate of commendation for its work on autonomous systems.

An autonomous system brings together navigation, communications, sensors and automotive components to work together to fulfil the mission with people only being involved in the decision making process.

During the Grand Challenge the GFS Fenstar had to demonstrate its ability to fly and provide a stable observation platform.

"We have put a lot of effort into designing the GFS Fenstar," said director David Steel.

"And though we didn't win, we have gained valuable experience and learnt a lot which will put us in a good position for the future."

The MoD Grand Challenge was launched in October 2006 to encourage small and medium-sized companies, universities and research and development houses to develop innovative solutions to help British Forces operating in urban areas to detect threats, such as snipers or explosive devices, without putting soldiers' lives at risk.


GFS Projects Limited was formed in 2002 to design, develop and market a new form of flying.

Its Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (UAV) is based on the ideas and research of Geoff Hatton – the inventor.

The company secured a SMART grant from the UK Department of Trade and Industry and equity funding from a group of investors.

The first prototype, GFS7, took to the air in April 2005 and completed a figure of eight flight, inside the development building.

Five patent applications covering the unique aspects of the design have been filed.

For more details, call Mark Broughton, GFS Projects on 01428 647979, 07880 506345, visit gfsprojects.co.uk or e-mail mark.broughton@gfsprojects.co.uk.

Related: Video: Company makes flying saucers science fact 15 February 2007.
Watch video of the flying saucers.


Out of an original 23 applicants, only seven teams made it through to the final. The overall winner of the trophy – the RJ Mitchell Trophy in memory of the designer of the Spitfire – was Team Stellar with a combination of UAVs and UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles).

Members of Team Mira were MIRA, BAE Systems, ERA Technology, Warwick University, the Royal Grammar School Guildford, as well as GFS Projects. The GFS Fenstar is a stable, circular UAV which has no exposed rotating parts, which means it can fly right up to a building and even go through windows or doorways.

Not only is it less expensive to build than other (Vertical Take-off and Landing) VTOL UAVs, it is also scalable from just a few centimetres radius up to several metres.

Fenstar can carry a range of surveillance packages for defence, agriculture or homeland defence use.

It could also be used to deliver critical small packages to remote locations or as an electronic warfare decoy.