| Top Designers Winners of the
schools Aerospace Challenge, the team from
499 Squadron Port Talbot Air Cadets,
Rachel
Williams (seated left),
Marc Jones (seated
right), Thomas Ronan (standing left), and
Gethin Davies (standing right). |
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Picture: Peter Knowles |
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Cadets
scoop top engineering prize for new aircraft
design |
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| Air Cadets from Port Talbot have hit new
heights after winning a national competition
run by British Aerospace Systems and the
Royal Air Force. |
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| The cadets were tasked with designing a
vertical take-off transport aircraft using
the latest technologies. |
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| Flight Sergeant Rachel Williams,
Sergeant Thomas Ronan, Gethin Davies and
Marc Jones from 499 Squadron, then attended
residential course at the Cranfield
Institute of Technology. |
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| There they were taught how to fly light
helicopters, and conventional fixed wing
training aircraft, as well as taking part in
various training exercises with an
engineering theme. |
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| As winners of this years schools
Aerospace Challenge, they have been invited
to give a presentation of their project
hosted by the Institute of Mechanical
Engineers in London in November.
Presentation evening |
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| Watching will 120 VIP's expected to
include Marshall of the Royal Air Force
Defence Secretary Des Browne and the senior
executive officers of British Aerospace
Systems. |
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| Thanks to their victory, each cadet will
also receive £625 each, with a further
£2,500 going to the squadron fund. |
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| Squadron Chairman Peter Knowles said:
"Its a great achievement, and were very
proud of them." |
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| There is a huge prestige winning the
competition after taking on teams from right
across the UK, but the money will also be
very useful in helping to safeguard the
squadrons future. |
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| "Tribute should also be paid to the
leadership of commanding officer Flt
Lieutenant Mike Stones." |
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Article by South Wales
Evening Post 2nd September 2006 |
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