Future 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) will integrate LEO, aerial vehicles, and terrestrial infrastructures to provide seamless global connectivity. However, rapid platform mobility, high doppler shifts, and stringent latency demands render traditional beam management ineffective. This project will design, implement, and validate an AI-native predictive beam-steering framework that combines orbital and kinematic models with machine-learning-based channel state information (CSI) prediction to enable robust, low-latency connectivity across multi-layer NTN systems.
This PhD project sits at the intersection of 6G wireless communications, antenna, design, AI-enhanced beamforming and advanced air mobility (AAM). As aviation evolves towards high-agility platforms such as urban air taxis, drones, and autonomous aircraft, seamless connectivity and resilient navigation systems are becoming critical. The integration of terrestrial 5G/6G with non-terrestrial networks (NTN), including LEO satellites is central to ensuring safe, reliable, and high-performance communications. The development of 6G based AI networks with integrated TN and NTN infrastructures provides new opportunities for UAV tracking. This research addresses urgent global needs in mobility, sustainability, and safety-critical aviation operations.
This project aims to design beamforming antenna enabling tracking and positioning framework capable of leveraging signals from terrestrial base stations, non-terrestrial networks such as LEO satellite, and complementary on-board sensors. Specifically, it will:
- To design reconfigurable airborne-terminal antennas and beamforming operating in FR1 bands and future FR-2, enabling robust terrestrial–satellite integration for safety-critical air mobility services.
- To develop AI-based algorithms for wireless radio access design, including semantic communications and novel waveforms, to deliver high-performance and energy-efficient connectivity in the presence of Doppler and delay spread challenges.
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate institution recognised internationally for delivering transformational research in aerospace, defence, and security. In the REF2021 review of UK university research, 88% of Cranfield’s research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The PhD project will be based within Cranfield Space Systems Centre and telecommunications and autonomous systems research group, both of which have strong track records in 6G wireless systems, AI algorithms, air mobility systems, and industry collaboration.
The project will deliver new beamforming antenna techniques that advances the state of the art in UAV tracking using AI based-6G systems. Expected outcomes include algorithms for TN–NTN-assisted tracking and signal switching between KA/KU bands. These contributions will support the deployment of airborne antenna solutions in autonomous vehicles, aerial systems, and wider critical infrastructure, bridging the gap between theoretical advances and real-world operational needs.
Students will benefit from close integration into Cranfield’s Telecoms and Autonomous Systems research group, as well as project partners with opportunities to engage in industry-led research projects, international collaborations, and experimental campaigns using software-defined radios and UAV operation platforms. The project offers mix of theoretical development, simulation-based research, and experimental validation, supported by advanced testbeds and datasets. Students will also be encouraged to present results at leading international conferences and publish in top-tier journals.
The successful candidate will gain advanced expertise in wireless communications, AI/Machine learning, and air mobility resilient, alongside transferable skills in critical thinking, project management, and technical communication. Exposure to both theoretical research and practical experimentation will provide excellent preparation for careers in academia, aerospace, telecommunications, or the autonomous systems industry. Graduates will be well-positioned to contribute to the development of next-generation resilient for space communications solutions worldwide.
At a glance
- Application deadline10 Dec 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date01 Jun 2026
- Duration of award3 years
- EligibilityUK, Rest of world
- Reference numberCRAN-0022
Entry requirements
Applicants should have first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit someone with:
- Strong background in wireless communication particularly 5G/6G/Satcom, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
- Good Knowledge in aerospace system design, AI algorithms and machine learning.
- Strong background in programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) and tools (e.g. Ansys, HFSS or CST Studio Suite).
- Good Hands-on skills using equipment and hardware platforms including software-defined radios (SDR) and Aerial platform, antenna systems.
Funding
This self-funded PhD opportunity is open to Home and Overseas fee status students. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Professor Saba Al-Rubaye
Email: s.alrubaye@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
