National Air & Space Camp

This summer, I had a unique opportunity within in the RAF Air Cadets, having been selected earlier in the year to join cadets from across the UK on their flagship camp: National Air & Space Camp at RAF Syerston, Notts. I had a great time on the camp. I covered the basics of rocket science, different propulsion methods for rockets, satellites, and future missions to Mars and the Moon. Alongside this, I spent time doing engineering tasks, like reassembling engines and building my own flight control surfaces with electronics.

I also spent time with BAE Systems, designing a future stealth and reconnaissance drone, making choices between different materials and features to add in and leave out to keep within the budget given and still have the best performance. The week was ended with the Industry Day attended by over 80 companies, ranging from BAE Systems and Network Rail to the Police, who gave insights into what they do day-to-day and different routes to joining them. The highlight of the day and the entire camp, however, was the air show with the Red Arrows, the Falcon Parachute Display Team and the Chinook Role Demo Team, which some of us got to fly in.

Sgt Dowdy

Lower Sixth