Northrop Grumman Sponsors Australia’s 2014 UAV Outback Challenge

By Caroline Rees / 02 Apr 2014

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST
UAV Challenge

Students and teachers from Dickson College are joined by the Australian Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, (center) and Northrop Grumman officials in front of a full-scale model of the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system  (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

As part of Northrop Grumman Corporation’s effort to increase innovative thinking in engineering and technology among today’s youth, the company is sponsoring the 2014 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Outback Challenge competition in Australia.

Students participating in the UAV Challenge are required to design, build and fly a UAV capable of conducting search and rescue operations or delivering life-saving supplies to a ficticious lost or injured individual, known as Outback Joe. The company is also continuing a partnership with Dickson College to mentor students in developing their own UAV to participate in the competition.

“Australia is a country of innovators and we see UAV applications in areas of environmental monitoring, humanitarian relief, search and rescue and disaster relief operation, not just defence,” said Ian Irving, chief executive for Australia, Northrop Grumman Corporation. “By sponsoring and mentoring our youth in better understanding UAV technologies, we’re helping motivate them to be the country’s future engineers, scientists and technicians.”

Northrop Grumman participates in a number of educational programs in countries around the world that are aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

“We are delighted to have the ongoing support of Northrop Grumman through a formal partnership with the College,” said Kerrie Heath, principal of Dickson College. “Industry Education Partnerships are very important as they enable us to provide hands-on and cutting-edge programs with access to industry mentors.”

Northrop Grumman and Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs preschool through collegiate levels, with a major emphasis on middle school students and teachers. Northrop Grumman employees actively volunteer in support of many STEM organizations in their communities and internationally.

In 2013, Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation continued outreach efforts by contributing approximately $23 million to diverse STEM-related groups such as the Air Force Association (CyberPatriot), Conservation International (ECO Classroom), the REC Foundation (VEX Robotics) and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Klein Marine Systems Integrates Exail Navigation Solution into Side Scan Sonar

Klein Marine Systems has integrated Exail’s advanced AHRS into its 5900 sonar, enhancing accuracy, stability, and efficiency for demanding underwater mapping missions

Apr 24, 2025
Expanding Modular Maritime Autonomy with TSUNAMI USV Line

Textron Systems is expanding its USV capabilities with the TSUNAMIâ„¢ family, a series of modular, scalable platforms designed to meet the demands of autonomous maritime operations

Apr 24, 2025
Strategic Value of Protective Coatings in Electronic System Reliability

HZO highlights the role of protective coatings like Parylene in delivering long-term operational value for sensitive electronic components across a wide range of industries

Apr 24, 2025
Inspired Flight CEO Discusses Leadership, Innovation & the Future of Drone Technology

Inspired Flight Technologies CEO, Rick Stollmeyer, discusses advancing drone technology, highlighting innovation, leadership, and the mission of reshoring critical manufacturing to America

Apr 24, 2025
Vision-Based Traffic Detection Enhances BVLOS Safety for Xer X8 Hybrid UAV

Xer Technologies teams up with Daedalean to enhance BVLOS drone safety, integrating vision-based traffic avoidance into the robust, hybrid-electric Xer X8 multirotor drone

Apr 24, 2025
Sierra-Olympia Launches Long-Wave Infrared OGI Camera for Continuous Gas Monitoring

Sierra-Olympia Technologies unveils the Viento LWIR OGI, a cost-effective infrared camera designed for continuous, reliable gas leak detection in industrial environments

Apr 24, 2025

Featured Content

Apollo & Moonrock Launch $122.5m Drone, eVTOL Insurance Facility

Apollo and Moonrock take the lead on new $122.5m drone, eVTOL and aviation innovation insurance facility

Apr 22, 2025
ParaZero Unveils Advanced Parachute Recovery System

ParaZero launches the SafeAir M4, an advanced parachute recovery system designed for the DJI Matrice 4, enhancing drone safety, compliance, and mission readiness

Apr 17, 2025
Compact High Resolution MWIR Zoom Lens Released for UAV & ISR Platforms

MKS Instruments introduces the Ophir SupIR 10-135mm f/1.8 zoom lens, engineered for compact MWIR systems demanding long-range detection and high-resolution thermal imaging

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.