The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust is set to inspire the next generation of aircraft pilots with its new eDrone racing competition, Race to RIAT.
Launched alongside partners the British Esports Federation and DXC Technology, a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, the competition, which will involve schools and RAF Air Cadets between the ages of 14-16 years old, will see young people battle it out across six weeks before reaching the final race at the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer.
The races are created using Velocidrone software, allowing participants to join from across the country. The competition is composed of six different tracks with races taking place between April 20th and June 14th. The 16 fastest participants will battle it out at RIAT in the grand final to scoop first place on the podium.
The activity allows young people to engage in a STEM activity with particular emphasis on cyber and digital skills, as well as engineering concepts, problem solving and air mindedness. Hosting the final on the Inspire Stage at RIAT, as well as celebrating the success of competitors, provides a showcase for esports as a way in which young people can fulfil their potential in air, space and technology.
The series is a three-way partnership between RAFCT, the British Esports Federation and DXC Technology, which will see the three organisations collaborating to deliver the competition, alongside a series of talks and presentations on the Inspire Stage highlighting the range of careers pathways which esports and gaming can open.
Hannah Langford, Head of Charity Development at RAFCT, said: “We’re proud to launch Race to RIAT, a new FPV simiulator racing competition which brings STEM learning and aviation awareness directly into classrooms and Air Cadet units. By giving teenagers the chance to design, fly, and race drones, we’re helping young people develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to pursue future pathways in engineering, technology and aviation.
“With the support of DXC Technology, this initiative demonstrates how innovative learning experiences can spark ambition and open doors, showing young people that the future of flight and technology is something they can be part of today.”
“At DXC Technology, we recognise the critical importance of equipping young people with the digital and engineering skills needed for the future workforce,” added Derek Allison, General Manager, DXC UK & Ireland.
“Race to RIAT provides an exciting and engaging way for students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), develop problem‑solving capabilities and build the confidence to pursue careers in technology. We’re delighted to partner with the RAF Charitable Trust and British Esports to help inspire and nurture the next generation of innovators.”
Kalam Neale, Head of Education at the British Esports Federation, commented: “Through the combination of esports, eDrone racing and education, British Esports are proud to announce Race to RIAT in partnership with the RAF Charitable Trust and DXC Technologies. Race to RIAT presents an opportunity for school pupils and cadets to engage in their passion, compete and develop key transferable skills that will support their future career aspirations and open up a whole new world of opportunities in STEM, digital and aviation industries connecting the next generation of talent with the jobs of the future.”
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If you are a school, college or RAF Air Cadets squadron looking to get involved, contact British Esports here.