Airborne Delivery Challenge

This category is only open to students in Australian High Schools.

The Mission

A spherical package will be made available to competing teams, for use on the day of the competition. The sphere will be approximately 4cm in diameter and 50 grams in weight, representing the 'emergency package'.

Participants must develop an airborne delivery system that can deliver this package into a target zone. The target zone will comprise of a sandpit with dimensions 1m wide, 2m down-range and 5cm high

The airborne vehicle will be remotely controlled by a human operator, known as the "UAV controller". The UAV must fly down a straight course of 50m and at a height of not less than 4m. It must also not fly greater than 400feet (in accordance with CASA guidelines).

On the test day, two hurdles with a height of 4m will map out the course. The pilot must ensure that the UAV flies above these hurdles. The target zone will appear between the hurdles.

The delivery of the payload will be controlled by a human operator, known as the mission manager. The mission manager's zone will be marked on the test day and will be a 2m x 2m square. The mission manager and associated equipment must be located within this square at all times during the mission. The mission manager's area will be enclosed with a barricade around the edges and covered from the top for safety. The mission manager will NOT be able to see the target zone during the competition and will NOT be able to communicate with the UAV controller during the drop sequence. The mission manager's zone will be marked on the test day and will be a 2m x 2m square. The mission manager and all associated equipment must be located within this square at all times during the mission. The control of the delivery mechanism must be made by the mission manager, independently of the actions of the UAV controller. The mission manager must remotely deploy the spherical package such that it lands in the centre of the target zone.

The minimum requirements for the air vehicle are as follows:

1. The air vehicle must not weigh more than 5kg in the competition configuration
2. The air vehicle must maintain a minimum forward velocity of 3m/s. This will be measured during the competition.

Points will be awarded based on the time required to complete the mission and the proximity to the centre of the target zone. A total of three drops will be allowed in 30 minutes. The participants best result will be used for judging. Points will also be awarded based on how quickly the passes can be performed.

Additional Deliverables

Entrants will be required to submit a technical report which outlines their design, methodology for package deployment and operational and safety procedures. An oral presentation of the technical report information is also required and will be judged along with the other deliverables.

Rules

Before entering, make sure you have read the UAV Challenge - Outback Rescue Competition Rules (PDF, 730kB) for the Airborne Delivery Challenge.

The reward

Winners in this category can take home up to AU$10,000* in prize money.

Get involved

Do you think your school has what it takes to win this challenge? Register your team.

Registration closes Wednesday 7 May 2008

*Note: If no team successfully completes the mission, prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the event partners.