Let’s take you on a tour of our incredible UAV hexacopter SKØLL and our trip to the US! Even though it was Team 24's Final Flight together, we are forever grateful for the memories and friendships that have been made.
Following the footsteps of Team 23, Ascend Team 24 travelled all the way to Maryland USA, to participate in the yearly arranged Student Unmanned Aerial Systems competition, to show our skills, motivation and innovation. This year's SUAS mission was somewhat alike the previous years, giving us the opportunity to use everything we've learned from Team 23’s UAV Fenrir, to develop a new drone, SKØLL- fittingly named after the son of the wolf god Fenrir in Norse mythology.
Day one of the SUAS 2024 competition was all about passing the critical safety inspection, which we did successfully, and earning recognition as "the team to beat” after winning IARC mission 9. Day two, however, presented technical challenges during our mission flight. Despite Skøll’s initial speed and manoeuvrability, an unforeseen small yet complex issue prevented us from completing the mission. Hopes for a re-flight were dashed when no second attempts were allowed, leaving the team disappointed. However, we remained resilient, focusing on our strengths and using the experience to fuel future ambitions, demonstrating unity and perseverance throughout the competition.
MEET SKØLL: Our cutting-edge UAV!
Let’s take you on a tour of our incredible UAV hexacopter, SKØLL! Not your average drone, Skøll is built to dominate the skies with its sleek, custom-designed structure. The main body is made from two ultra-light, custom-milled carbon fibre plates, held together with aluminium brackets – making it both strong and agile. Within Skølls main body sits the powerhouse: the main battery driving its propulsion, while a secondary low-voltage battery keeps all the other onboard electronics like flight computers and sensors buzzing smoothly. If you are interested in knowing more about Skøll and it's systems, you can check out our Flight Readiness Review video below
Team-Bonding and Adventures in the US!
Our trip to the US wasn’t just about drones—it was about team bonding and exploring new places together! Before gathering in Washington, D.C., some team members kicked off the adventure in Los Angeles, soaking up the West Coast vibe, while others made a stop in Boston to explore the historic city. Once we all arrived in D.C., we had a full week of fun ahead.
In addition to the competition, our week was packed with activities such as sightseeing places such as the White House, Senate, and the Arlington Memorial. It was a great way of catching up with team-mates after a long exam-period. During the competition, we had plenty of opportunities to mingle with other teams, share ideas, and watch some incredible drone and fixed-wing flights. Despite the early starts (pre-sunrise!), the energy stayed high and the vibes were unbeatable. The trip was wrapped up with fun dinners, award ceremonies, and unforgettable memories. While some team members headed back home to Norway after the competition, others made their way to New York to celebrate the 4th of July in the Big Apple—fireworks, parades, and all!
Even though it was Team 24's Final Flight together, we are forever grateful for the memories and friendships that have been made.