Explorer Post 1010
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) 2024 |
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Explorer Post 1010 signed up for the 2024
UAS4STEM (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems)
competition in the fall of 2023. Following our successes, we added members.
We held meetings and work sessions at the Rockville Science Center storefront.
We practiced flying at the Red Gate Park in Rockville (an old golf course).
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Previous
2023
2022
2020/21
2019
2018
2017
2016 |
Using the quadcopter from 2023/2024, we repaired and improved the flight systems.
We replaced parts and added to our drone inventory. We continuously improved our operations and worked to meet the challenge.
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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 10 members, who must complete an on-line training session.
The preliminary competition is in spring, and if invited, the national competition is in August.
Every member needs to join the
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).
A youth membership is available at
https://www.modelaircraft.org/joinrenew.aspx for $15/year.
The challenge was to design and build their
drones, successfully complete the UAS4STEM ground school, learn
to safely operate their aircraft, conduct manual and
autonomous operations, and incorporate AI to maximize points
within the challenge.
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The Mission (2024 Rulebook)
"Your team has been called upon to provide rapid response using a
small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) that can support a special
mission. Beginner teams must search and locate points of interest,
while Advanced competitors must also retrieve and deliver supplies."
This was similar to 2023 challenge. We tried several different mechanism.
After significant effort, we ended up with a system that worked well.
Our Team Name: Some Assembly Required
| Bobby |
- Pilot in
Command/Payload Specialist |
| Jane |
- Visual Observer/Video Lead |
| Jasmine |
- Team Captain/Air Boss |
| Jason |
- Aircraft Specialist/Backup Pilot |
| Lindsay |
- Strategic Technician |
| Nathan |
- Scoring Captain |
| Sam |
- Safety Specialist |
| Veronica |
- Mission Planner Specialist |
The team was 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.
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Drone Name: JEFF
(Joint Engineered Fabricated Flyer)
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Preliminary Competition
For the preliminary competition, we presented from the Rockville Science Center storefront.
The team prepared a
Preliminary Presentation
and gave it using Microsoft Teams. We also had to show
our skill in running Mission Planner.
We got a great score and nice comments from the reviewing panel. We were invited to the
Final Competition.
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We continued working on grabbing mechanisms. Building, testing,
and rebuilding was a
challenge. The team developed flying skills and prepared for the
trip to the national finals.
We submitted a
Proof of Flight video for the national competition.
We also submitted a
Promotional Video.
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Final Competition
The Final competition was held in Oshkosh Wisconsin, July 23-28.
It was held with the annual international
AirVenture
aviation festival.
(Schedule July 23).
The festival was a great opportunity to see and
interact with the aviation community. (Reference
Sheet)
We won first place along with $2500 to cover the cost of the
trip.
Following a feedback session, we came up with ideas for improving.
We are planning a repeat in 2025.
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