Finalists chosen in 2022 Quadcopter Competition
After a close fought contest, 11 teams progress to compete in the grand finale
Teams from across the UK have battled for a top spot in the national final of the annual challenge, which see’s students tasked with designing, building, and flying a four-bladed, remotely piloted air system – known as a quadcopter.
Following the close fought contest, 11 teams have now been shortlisted to compete in the grand finale at a central RAF location.
Balwearie High School, Ifield Community College, St Kentigern's Academy, Aldersley High School, Ysgol Bryn Alyn, St Louis Grammar, Kesteven & Sleaford Girls High School, Alderley Edge School for Girls, Brentwood Sea Cadets, Kilmarnock Academy and Worcester Air Cadets were all successful in securing their place at the final.
The teams attended the regional finals in their communities, hosted by local Raytheon Technologies STEM Ambassadors, where they delivered a short presentation to show how they developed their designs, what modifications they made and how they worked as a team. They then flew their quadcopters through a timed obstacle course, making real-time spot repairs.
Mentoring students throughout the process, Raytheon Technologies STEM Ambassadors also supported teams by visiting schools, hosting workshops and guiding pupils on how to conceptualise, design, build and fly their own Quadcopter.
“The standard of this year’s competition entries are high and it’s wonderful to see how students are using their imagination to find solutions to real world, environmental issues that are impacting us all,” said Alex Rose-Parfitt, Raytheon UK Engineering director.
“We’re passionate about helping young people get into STEM so it’s great to see the potential of these future engineers and how STEM can be applied in so many different ways.”
A record-breaking year
This year has seen the highest number of students participate, with over 92 teams, 41 schools and Air Cadet groups and 500 students. The final will now see the 11 teams compete for the crown as they will be judged on their design, flying ability and presentation.
“I am delighted to be on the judging panel for the national final of the Raytheon Quadcopter Challenge,” said Air Commodore Andrew Dickens, Commandant Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
“Supporting events like this that inspire future generations of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers is at the heart of what the Royal Air Force Youth and STEM seek to achieve. I am excited to meet with the teams from across the UK and see their tactics, techniques, and procedures for tackling the obstacle courses with the quadcopters they have built.”
Sustainability challenges
The theme of this year’s Quadcopter Challenge was all about Sustainability, asking students to create quadcopters reflective of arising sustainability challenges. From looking at how they can reduce the amount of material used in the initial design to considering how they choose conscious suppliers.
“It’s wonderful to see how students are using their imagination to find solutions to real world, environmental issues"- Alex Rose-Parfitt, Raytheon UK Engineering director.
Since it began seven years ago, the Quadcopter Challenge has continued to expand – with this year seeing the challenge reach all four nations of the United Kingdom.
The competition is just one way Raytheon Technologies is investing in technology, STEM skills and training in the UK. The company also leads a team of local companies in building an education and training system to deliver diverse cyber talent to South West England as well as running a number of Cyber Academy workshops in collaboration with the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security at the University of Texas in San Antonio, designed for former military service personnel, equipping them with key cybersecurity skills and helping to empower them to be able to confidently pursue a new career path in cyber.