Congratulations to young engineers Lucas, Matthew, Nathan and Robbie from Kilmarnock Academy who beat a 112 teams to be crowned champions of the 2025 RTX Quadcopter Challenge

Aviation Editor Doug Maclean.

At an inspirational event held at the historic Honourable Artillery Company in central London the Kilmarnock students bonded as a team and worked together to design, build and fly a drone with very practical applications.

The theme for this year’s challenge, ‘Local Heroes’, invited students to design quadcopters that addressed the real needs of their communities, demonstrating how Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM)innovation can drive positive change. Rising to the challenge, teams developed creative solutions to tackle issues such as mountain rescue, elderly care, and medication delivery, showcasing how technology can help keep communities safe, supported, and connected.

The Killy team won the first prize of £10,000 which will be used to support and enhance STEM education amongst Kilmarnock Academy students.

They were sponsored for the trip by Collins Aerospace, part of the RTX Group, who have a major site in Monkton. Their Prestwick Service Centre employs over 350people, specialising in aircraft engine nacelle and component maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

According to Mr Alex Rose-Parfitt, director of engineering at Raytheon UK, the competition “helps students build valuable skills and offers a unique opportunity to experience the aerospace and defence sector in a hands-on way. Over the past ten years, I’ve seen this in action, with former participants now joining me as colleagues at RTX”. 

“Our flagship RTX Quadcopter Challenge is a vital and fun pathway into STEM careers for young people across the UK.”

“The Kilmarnock students stood out for showing exemplar teamwork and innovative STEM solutions to support policework and theft prevention in their community”.

Winning team member, Robbie said, “It’s amazing to win the Quadcopter Challenge, it has inspired me to be anengineer.”

Teacher, Thomas Campbell said, “This is the fourth year we have taken part, and each year it has got bigger and better. It’s a privilege to be involved. As a teacher, it is a huge joy.

Well done Lucas, Matthew, Nathan, Robbie and teacher Campbell. You made Ayrshire and Scotland proud and we look forward to your engineering expertise making our world a better place.

Thank you RTX. You are a company of “era defining innovation” and you made 4 young engineers very happy.