Double honours in Schools Aerospace Challenge

Two Tonbridge School teams will be meeting senior figures from industry after making it to the finals of the Schools Aerospace Challenge.

Entrants had to display their physics and engineering credentials in tackling the task set by competition judges – to write a report detailing some innovative technologies that could ensure the RAF remains at the forefront of air and space in the years ahead.

Just 12 teams from across the country will take part in the highly prestigious national finals, which take the form of an all expenses paid, five-day stay at Cranfield University in July. During this time, finalists will attend lectures by leaders in the aerospace industry (including representatives from Rolls Royce and Reaction Engines), experience indoor skydiving, work on in-flight experiments in a specially designed plane, and meet the Red Arrows.

Tommy Rochussen (Sc4), Matt Barker (PS4) and Jasper Driessen (WH4) formed one Tonbridge team; Alvaro Marco (PH4), Jason Wong (PH4) and Andrew Slater (PH4) the other.

Phil Deakin, the school’s Head of Physics, said: “The finals are, in themselves, a huge reward for all the boys’ hard work. If they are then selected to be a winner or runner-up, they will go on to present their ideas to The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, and his team.

“Most pleasing was the fact that the boys worked independently to write and design very impressive reports. All six want to do some form of engineering at university, and to pursue careers in this area, and so this will be a most impressive addition to their applications.”

The competition is sponsored by several engineering companies, as well as by the RAF and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.