Australian Army Cadets
In an epic battle, the Australian Army Drone Racing Team (AADRT) retained its championship title at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament at the beginning of March.
Held during the Australian International Airshow, teams from Singapore, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand competed in the three-day event against the Australian Army and Air Force teams at Avalon in early March.
In a thrilling finish, the AADRT just edged ahead of New Zealand to retain the title.
Pte Hamish Glover set the quickest time around the track to become the fastest individual pilot.
Army team captain Spr Alex Brown was thrilled at the win and the high standard of racing demonstrated.
“The level of skill among all the pilots just keeps getting better,” Spr Brown said.
“It has been a fantastic week of racing, teamwork and friendly rivalry.”
“To have six military drone racing teams here at Avalon is a huge thrill and is evidence of the growing popularity of the sport.”
In another first, the Australian Army Cadets Drone Racing Team competed, with five of the fastest cadet drone racers displaying their flying, building and repairing skills. Cdt Cpl Lewis Sanderson won the Champion ADF Cadet pilot trophy.
“It’s amazing to be here at the Avalon Airshow and be part of the drone racing in this huge tent with some of the fastest racers in the world,” Cdt Cpl Sanderson said.
“I have learnt so much, and it is especially exciting to meet and fly with the world champion, Thomas Bitmatta.”
Long-time supporter of the ADF drone racing teams, world champion drone racer Thomas Bitmatta, passed on some of his knowledge and advice to the pilots.
“I am always so impressed by the quality of drone racing at these events and also just the friendships and camaraderie among the pilots,” he said.
“There is always someone ready to help out with a spare part or advice to keep everyone in the air.”
Drone racing is an authorised and encouraged adaptive sport in the Australian Army.
Above original particle posted in the Army newspaper (edition 1531), page 20.
The Australian Army Cadets also enables cadets to undertake training on the use of Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MRUAS) as part of the Cadet Development Continuum.
Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:25:11 GMT