Burgess Hill and Brighton schoolchildren can learn about space exploration in the Quadcopter Challenge

Collins Aerospace is calling for schools in Burgess Hill and Brighton to take part in this year’s Quadcopter Challenge.
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The company, which is part of Raytheon Technologies, is urging children aged 13-14 to use their science and maths skills to design a ‘fully-functioning, four-bladed, remotely piloted air system’, known as a ‘quadcopter’.

Returning for its seventh year, the challenge aims to inspire and attract students to STEM-based subjects.

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“During the past 12 months school children’s education has been greatly disrupted,” said Jim Pawson, managing director of ISR Solutions and Missions Systems.

Collins Aerospace, part of Raytheon Technologies, is calling on schools to take part in the UK 2021 Quadcopter Challenge. Picture: Jon Parker LeeCollins Aerospace, part of Raytheon Technologies, is calling on schools to take part in the UK 2021 Quadcopter Challenge. Picture: Jon Parker Lee
Collins Aerospace, part of Raytheon Technologies, is calling on schools to take part in the UK 2021 Quadcopter Challenge. Picture: Jon Parker Lee

“The pandemic has shown how crucial science and technology is to our society,” he added.

This year’s theme, ‘Mission to Mars’, hopes to show children how STEM skills can be put to use through careers in space exploration.

Children will need to come up with creative ideas to respond to the engineering brief while learning how human innovations can help future generations explore space.

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“Around the globe, countries have made significant advances in space exploration,” said Jim.

“Focusing our challenge on space will hopefully inspire and attract students to STEM based subjects giving us a new generation of STEM leaders and innovators.”

Children will have access to RTX STEM ambassadors from across the UK and will be asked to push the limits of current quadcopter designs.

After a series of regional heats, the UK national final will be held virtually.

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The winning team will be able to fly their designs when safety guidelines permit it.

Entries must be submitted by May 24 and successful schools will be given four weeks to develop and build their ideas.

They will present everything to judges on June 22.

All participating schools will take part in a virtual full-day regional qualifying event in May where teams will present their ideas to Raytheon and guest judges.

The top team from each regional site across the UK will qualify for the UK national final.

To register interest for the UK 2021 Quadcopter Challenge email [email protected].

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