London Students Reach RTX’s Quadcopter Challenge Final in 10th Anniversary Year

by London-TV in Business

A team of students from the Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) Royal Air Force in London is celebrating after earning a coveted spot in the national final of the RTX Quadcopter Challenge, an exciting STEM competition that’s inspiring
the next generation of innovators and engineers.

Now marking its 10th anniversary, the challenge is the flagship STEM outreach programme from RTX, giving students across the UK the chance to design, build and fly their own quadcopters in a bid to be crowned national champions.

The team will travel to London to compete at the Honourable Artillery Company for the chance to be crowned the 2025 Quadcopter Challenge Champion and win £10,000 to support STEM initiatives at their school or cadet group.

“The Quadcopter Challenge has really brought STEM to life for the group”, said Civilian Instructor Sadikur Islam. “By exploring how drones can assist police and emergency teams, the students are learning how technology can be used to protect and serve.”

The RTX Quadcopter Challenge is an annual competition designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. Since its launch in 2015, the programme has engaged over 2,000 students from more than 200 schools and cadet teams across the UK. Participants
work alongside engineers from RTX businesses including Raytheon UK and Collins Aerospace, gaining hands-on experience in design, problem-solving and teamwork.

This year, students were challenged to design a quadcopter that embodies community spirit and delivers a positive local impact. The team from CCF RAF rose to the challenge, developing a concept that aims to assist police and emergency teams, with the potential
to leave a lasting legacy in their community.

RTX is committed to advancing UK prosperity and fostering sovereign innovation in STEM. Through initiatives like the Quadcopter Challenge, the company continues to inspire young minds and support the development of future STEM leaders.

“Our flagship RTX Quadcopter Challenge has supported STEM leaders of tomorrow unlock their passion since 2015,” said James Gray, Chief Executive at Raytheon UK. “We are creating pathways for passionate young people to enter the British aerospace and defence
sector.”

The final promises to be a celebration of creativity, engineering excellence and youth innovation, as teams from across the UK compete for the top prize and national recognition.