Four Army cadets reached the semi-finals of the National Drone Racing Championships, held in Townsville.
Competitors from around Australia and New Zealand took part in the event, from August 23 to 27.
Cadets competed in the five-inch class, which involved manoeuvring through obstacles at speed, with quick reaction times and sharp hand-motor skills needed to make the two-lap requirement for a spot on the leader board.
Australian Army Cadet (AAC) Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Bruno Hickey said everything was fast-paced.
“All the competitors know what they’re doing, are switched on, and ready to fly,” he said.
During the three days of qualifying rounds, the cadets were supported by members of the Army Drone Racing Team, which mentored them in building, flying and repairing the drones.
AAC WO1 Hickey said this gave them a big advantage.
“Having them [Army Drone Racing Team] there to help us has been instrumental to our development,” he said.
“Some of the cadets came into drone racing without any experience until they attended the AAC drone racing camp. They really prioritised teaching us the foundational skills that led to us being able to fly at a national level.”
STEM subjects have become a significant component of the AAC program. Along with drone racing, cadets can undertake electives in robotics and cyber, giving them transferrable skills and opportunities.
The four cadets made it into the semi-finals, with AAC Private Hamish Glover placing fourth overall in the five-inch class.
AAC Warrant Officer Class 2 Kyle Croghan said flying in the semis was a feat in itself and made the cadets eager to improve their times and climb the leader board at future events.
“You really have to invest time and dedication into drone racing, so the goal now is to continue training, learning and competing to make it to nationals next year,” he said.
