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SUAS 2024 COMPETITION

The SUAS 2024 competition was an intense and rewarding experience for our team, marked by both successes and challenges. Competing against some of the best teams in the world, we brought our drone, Skøll, to the event with high hopes and rigorous preparation. Here’s a look at how the competition unfolded.

day one

The first day of the competition focused on passing the critical safety inspection, a fundamental requirement to move forward. Our team was confident but had to wait patiently for our turn, as the order was randomized. When the moment came, we passed the inspection with flying colors, showcasing the meticulous work that had gone into ensuring Skøll was ready to compete. The success on day one set a positive tone, and our confidence was further boosted when we were recognized by other teams and judges as "the team to beat." This recognition came not only from our reputation as the winners of IARC but also from the strong impression we made during the day. The day also offered a chance to capture some excellent footage for marketing, adding to the excitement.

day two

Day two was the real test, with the mission flight scheduled for the early morning. As a top 10 qualifier, we were assigned the third slot, meaning an early start was necessary. Despite the early hour, the team’s spirits were high, and Skøll was ready for action. However, as the mission began, we encountered unexpected technical challenges. A problem with the drone’s code caused delays, and although we managed to get Skøll airborne, further issues prevented us from transitioning to the scan phase of the mission.

Despite several attempts to resolve the problem and get back on track, we were forced to abort the mission. It was a frustrating outcome after so much preparation, especially given Skøll’s impressive performance in other areas, including speed and maneuverability.

The aftermath

‍After our mission, we held out hope for a second attempt, a possibility hinted at by several judges who were eager to see us fly again. However, later in the day, SUAS announced that no re-flights would be allowed. The decision, delivered without clear reasoning, was met with disappointment and frustration by many teams, including ours.

Despite the setback, our team showed remarkable resilience. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, we focused on what we had achieved. We took pride in the fact that Skøll had performed exceptionally well in key areas, and we used the experience to fuel our determination for future challenges.

The SUAS 2024 competition was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it also highlighted the strength, dedication, and unity of our team. While the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, the journey itself was invaluable. We learned, we grew, and we stood together, proving that even in the face of adversity, we can overcome and keep moving forward.