Cadets take wing at drone camp

Six Army cadets were offered places on the Australian Army Cadet Drone Racing Team (ACDRT) after a drone racing camp at Gallipoli Barracks in January.

Twelve cadets from units around Australia participated in the five-day camp as part of the cadet training elective program, where they learnt to build, code and fly racing drones under the instruction of pilots from the Army Drone Racing Team (ADRT).

The cadets’ experience handling and operating the drones developed a greater proficiency in drone technology that they can take back to their home units.

The ACDRT will compete in the Military International Drone Racing Tournament at the Avalon International Air Show next month.

One of the six selected was Cadet Cpl Oliver Cawood, from 422 Army Cadet Unit St Michael’s College in Adelaide, who said he enjoyed how the camp built on his previous experience in a fun way.

“It has been a lot of fun and really interesting building my own drone and then learning how to program and fly it,” Cadet Cpl Cawood said.

“I was really excited to actually get it out on the track, and I was practising on the simulators every chance I could get.”

“I have only ever flown a line-ofsight drone before but I have realised that racing drones with the first-personview googles is a lot more challenging, but a lot more fun, too.”

For Cadet Cpl Lewis Sanderson, from 126 Army Cadet Unit Pine Rivers in Brisbane, the course was the first time he had flown a drone. His natural talent became evident, taking out the overall fastest time, and even beating the ADRT captain in a battle on the simulators.

Drone racer and captain of the ADRT, Spr Alex Brown, said the week was a fantastic opportunity to share his passion for drones and pass on his knowledge to the cadets.

“This week has been about giving cadets the opportunity to experience drone racing and really get hands-on with the building, coding, soldering and repairing,” Spr Brown said.

“A lot of the cadets have drones at home or school, but not many have been exposed to drone racing before.

“It’s amazing to see how quick they have picked it up. There is a lot of talent in the group and it will be great to see the Army cadets represented at the tournament in Avalon.”

The ADRT focuses on youth engagement and STEM pathways, supporting events in collaboration with cadets and Defence recruiting, to share their passion for drones with the public.

 

Original article posted in the Army newspaper (edition 1528), page 14.

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:34:08 GMT