Explorer Post 1010
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) 20/21

 Our Team
Building
Explorer Post 1010 signed up for the 2020 UAS4STEM (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) competition in January 2020. And then the pandemic hit. The program was suspended until the fall of 2020.

But we persisted, and added a few new members in late 2020. In early 2021, we restarted the program and started flying again. We held meetings and work sessions at the Rockville Science Center storefront (36C Maryland Ave). We practiced flying at the Red Gate Park in Rockville (an old golf course).
Previous
Years
2019
2018
2017
2016

Here is a Slideshow for the whole project.

UAS4STEM requires the students to build and fly a mid-size quad-copter through a competition course in a limited time. A team is limited to 8 members, who must complete an on-line training session. The regional tournament is in spring, and if selected, the national competition is in August. Every member of the team needs to be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). A free youth membership is available at https://www.modelaircraft.org/joinrenew.aspx.

Using the quad-copter from 2019, we repaired and improved the flight systems. We modified the mission drop mechanisms to increase our scores. We continuously improved our operations (checklist) and worked to meet the challenge.

 Watch us drop a paint balloon on the mission target.

 Drone
The Mission  (2020 Rulebook)

"A small group of people are stranded after a flash flood. While rescuers have determined a search area, they are unsure of the exact whereabouts and conditions of those stranded. Your team has been called upon to provide rapid response, via an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), that can support the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission. In order to support this mission, your UAS must comply with Special Instructions (SPINS) for departure and arrival procedures, and then remain within assigned airspace. It will be tasked to search an area for items of interest and to conduct point reconnaissance."

Our Team Name: Some Assembly Required
 Visesh Uppoor
 Muhammed Bryant
 David Kaplan
 Nathan Chen 		 - Team Captain/Mission Planner Specialist
- Pilot in Command/Safety Specialist
- Strategic Technician
- Scoring Captain

The team was again very fortunate to have Tom May return as our adult mentor. He is skilled in aeronautics engineering. His wife, Beth May, was also very helpful in managing the team, working logistics, and guiding the project presentations. They were key to the success of this project.

  Practice
    Regional presentation
Regional Competition

For the regional competition this year, we did it remotely from the Rockville Science Center storefront. The team prepared a Regional Presentation. Using Microsoft Teams, they gave the presentation. They also had to show their skill in running Mission Planner (Mission Command List).

They got a great score and were issued an invitation to the National Competition in August.

 
    First Place National Competition

The National competition was held in Oshkosh Wisconsin, July 30-31. It was held in conjunction with the annual international AirVenture aviation festival. We made plans to participate.

We gave a great National Presentation. And we flew our quadcopter with great precision, repeatedly hitting the targets. The festival was a great opportunity see and interact with many aviation exhibits.

Finally, we were awarded first place for the nation. Our scores were exceptional. Here are the detailed results.
Copyright 2021 Explorer Post 1010
Last Updated on September 28, 2021