Published on: 2026-08-06
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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The project “System Digital Engineering and Development of Unmanned Aviation Systems, Components, and Materials” continues the series of publications about the Priority 2030 teams. The project leader is Alexander Gordeev, lead engineer of the Experimental Design Bureau and systems analyst at the Computer Engineering Center.
The project’s history began in 2023, when engineers from PISh “Digital Engineering” independently started developing their own unmanned aerial vehicle. Based on the CML-Bench digital platform, the vertical take-off and landing UAV “Snegir-1” was created. Only five months passed from the formulation of requirements to the first flight. Such a short period was made possible thanks to the application of multivariate digital tests in aerodynamics, strength, and aeroelasticity, as well as end-to-end data management on the platform. Subsequently, based on the accumulated digital groundwork, improved modifications of the vehicle were developed.
In June 2023, the Government of the Russian Federation approved the Unmanned Aviation Development Strategy until 2030, which provides for the creation of a domestic digital platform for designing UAVs. The IT Center of SPbPU, already having successful experience in developing “Snegir”, proposed a concept of a unified design environment based on CML-Bench, which was enshrined in the Strategy. This served as a starting point for including unmanned topics in the “Priority 2030” program. Thus, the initiative development not only confirmed the effectiveness of digital twin methodology but also became the foundation for systematic deployment of a new scientific and technological direction at the university.
Successes in UAV development became the foundation for work on next-level devices requiring certification under aviation regulations. In 2025, a project was launched to create an unmanned light aircraft for the agro-industrial sector called CML-Aeroplane.UAV. The first stage involved upgrading the ultralight aircraft MIX-500 (modification X-32 MIX).
Engineers of OKB PISH SPbPU completed a set of digital aerodynamic tests on the CML-Bench platform. The results made it possible to identify areas for refinement: wheel fairings for the landing gear were designed and installed, and a profile reducing frontal resistance was selected for the wing struts. Repeat digital tests confirmed a reduction in the drag coefficient and an improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.
In August 2025, the Russian Championship in ultralight aviation sport took place. The PIT SPbPU team, consisting of commander Alexander Rodin, navigator Vladislav Balashov, and technician Egor Seryakov, competed in the modified MIX-500 aircraft in the “Microsamolët-1” discipline. After completing 10 flights and scoring 3,080 points, the polytechnic team achieved the best result. The aircrew commander was awarded the candidate master of sports rank.
noted the project manager Mikhail Korchkov.
The acquired experience and validated models will already be used this year in the creation of a digital twin of the new manned aircraft CML-Aeroplane for aerial chemical work, based on CML-Bench. Unlike the heavy An-2, the new device will be able to take off from small sites (50×100 m), saving chemicals by 20–30% through ultra-low volume spraying and treating fields with a powerful turbulent flow from the pusher propeller. Based on the digital twin, composite materials will be introduced into the design, weight will be reduced while maintaining stiffness and strength characteristics, and aerodynamics will be improved. All modes will be preliminarily worked out using supercomputer modeling on the CML-Bench platform.
The project involves specialists from various fields: design engineers, calculation engineers, and experts in composite materials. As Alexander Gordeyev notes: Our team consists of people of different ages and with various experiences. There are those who have been in aviation for over 20 years, and there are also students who have just recently joined us. They are all united by the desire to work together on the project and develop it, and most importantly — to bring all ideas and designs to a prototype.
In 2026, a master’s program titled “System Digital Engineering of Unmanned Aerial Systems” is launching. The scientific supervisor is Alexey Borovkov, and the practical part is overseen by Mikhail Korchkov. From the first semester, students are involved in real R&D on the CML-Bench platform. Upon completion, they will develop their own UAVs, manufacture prototypes, and conduct flight tests. The instructors will be specialists from the aviation industry, ready to pass on their knowledge to the new generation.
The scientific and technological groundwork in the field of digital engineering and the successful development of the UAV “Snegir” enabled us to establish a partnership with the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “Federal Center for Unmanned Aviation Systems.” The “Priority 2030” program provided an opportunity to strengthen this cooperation, create our own aircraft, form a sports aviation team, and expand the production base, — summarizes Alexander Gordeev.
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