1st Responder University Competition

16 April 2007

The Redstone Chapter of the American Helicopter is proud to announce and sponsor the 1st Responder University Competition. The Purpose of the competition is to encourage University Research and Development of small Vertical Take-Off & Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) to assist in accomplishing 1st Responder missions. 1st Responder missions are those accomplished by Police, Firefighting, and Search & Rescue organizations in emergency situations. American Helicopters responded admirably in recent disaster areas to accomplish unique and difficult missions made possible by VTOL Technology. The AHS Redstone Chapter, would like to expand our National VTOL capabilities through this University Competition.

The Objective of 1st Responder is to design and build small VTOL UAV Systems that can safely operate around and in buildings. These UAVs are intended to quickly conduct both preliminary building surveys and extended spot ground surveillance in geo constrained spaces. These emerging capabilities will allow 1st Responders to more efficiently complete their missions and bring VTOL Technology closer to home.

This class of VTOL UAV is obtainable within the resources of most Universities. The principles of VTOL flight can be highlighted and studied in this class where more attention can be given to lower Reynolds Numbers research. To successfully accomplish the mission, Universities will need to use multifunctional teams for aero and ground station designs, communication links and sensor integration, and coordination of business processes. Universities can team with Industry, but must be the lead organization and operate the UAV and ground station during the competition.

Congratulations to University of Missouri-Rolla, Georgia Tech, and University of Alabama-Huntsville (Team D) in being selected for sponsorship to continue to Phase 3. Briefings and Team comments from Phases 1,2 are HERE.