Attendees Invited to Test Speed, Obstacle Skills With Drones In sUAS Challenge

AirVenture attendees can get hands-on experience at the controls of unmanned flying machines as part of the Small Unmanned Aerospace System (sUAS) Challenge during this year’s fly-in at the 63rd annual EAA convention.

The sUAS Challenge, which will include both obstacle and speed courses for the unmanned flying vehicles commonly referred to as drones, will be part of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s aviation mobile interactive exhibit, the Embry-Riddle Experience.
 
The competition is open to participants ages 12 and older with previous experience flying unmanned systems. With a maximum of 15 competitors registered each day on a first-come, first-served basis, each day’s challenge will be held separately at the drone cage at Aviation Gateway Park, beginning with an afternoon operators’ meeting followed by competition from 3 to 5 p.m. Qualification flying will be followed by an elimination bracket for the final four competitors each day.
 
The 53-foot trailer known as the Embry-Riddle Experience also includes unmanned aircraft demonstrations, aviation and unmanned simulators, a virtual crash lab and information about the university’s more than 75 degree programs, with presentations on how Embry-Riddle students, staff and faculty are leading the way into the future of aerospace and aviation.
 
Simulators in the Embry-Riddle Experience provide a variety of fixed-wing, rotary and multirotor aircraft models in realistic operating settings such as airfield and steep soaring slope locales in the bayou, desert and mountains.

Another unique feature of the Embry-Riddle Experience is the Virtual Crash Lab (VLAB), which was developed in conjunction with the university’s Aircraft Accident Investigation curriculum and is designed to allow participants to interactively inspect a crashed commercial aircraft. Operators can move and survey the crash site, inspect the fuselage and debris and take photos with the use of Oculus Goggles.

Also scheduled is an appearance by world-renowned aerobatic performer Matt Chapman sponsored by Embry-Riddle. Chapman has been performing in air shows and competitions since 1984. Autograph signings throughout the week at the Embry-Riddle Experience will be scheduled.

Those who wish to participate in the sUAS Challenge must register in advance at thirtyad@erau.edu or during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at the Embry-Riddle Experience exhibit at Aviation Gateway Park before 2 p.m. the day of the challenge.

Unmanned aircraft will be supplied for competitors courtesy of Hobbico and Horizon Hobby LCC including Blade 180QX HD or Dromida Ominus systems. Weather or other factors may cause alterations or cancellation of each day’s competition.

FMI: www.eaa.org/airventure, www.erau.edu