Winners of defence challenge named

After beating six other finalists, Team Stellar won the RJ Mitchell Trophy for Innovation - named after the designer of the Spitfire aircraft - with its Saturn project, which includes a mini unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned ground vehicle.

The machine uses a control station which analyses information from visual, thermal and radar sensors and was able to identify actors dressed as militia in the final stages of the challenge.

Several organisations made up Team Stella, including Stellar Services, Blue Bear Systems, Cranfield University, SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems, TRW Conekt and Marshall Specialist Vehicles.

Baroness Ann Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, commented: "It is this type of vision and dedication which makes the United Kingdom a world leader in science and technology.

In addition, Team Swarm (Swarm Systems, the University of Essex, the University of Surrey, Orrcam, Ardware and Scazon) won the most innovative idea after developing a four-rotor flat helicopter which flies in groups to collect information.

It is this type of vision and dedication which makes the United Kingdom a world leader in science and technology

Baroness Ann Taylor

The MOD Grand Challenge was established in 2006 to discover new ideas and innovations which are relevant to the military, as well as opening the UK defence market to new investors and suppliers.