Tonbridge teams rise to the Aerospace Challenge

Three Tonbridge School teams have been placed in the top five in the country during the latest stage of the Schools Aerospace Challenge 2020.

Just 12 teams from schools and colleges across the country were chosen to take part in the recent national final. Students presented a proposal to the RAF in which they had to explore, compare and contrast various hybrid power engine systems.

The top five teams will now be attending a ceremony in November, taking place at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London, in which the winning team and final places will be announced. Those taking part in the ceremony will also be receiving prizes of £1,000 per team, which is split between students and their school.

Sponsored by the RAF and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, as well as by a range of names from industry including Rolls Royce and the Ministry of Defence, the Aerospace Challenge tests students’ skills in aviation, engineering and innovation.

The school has a proud record in the competition in recent years. Last year Tonbridge teams claimed both first and third places following the national final, and another was awarded second place in 2018.

The three teams in the top five feature:
Thomas Masding (OH5), Alex Johnson (FH5), Tommy Walker (HS5)
Ernest Ng (FH5), James Goh (MH5), Kiefer Chow (MH5)
Takuya Boehringer (FH5), Alex von Torklus (PH5), Ivan Hung (HS5)

A further team made it to the final presentations, but was not shortlisted for the ‘final five’: Hiro Pakdeevutitam (Sc5), Benson Kwok (HS5), Harvey Wen (SH5).

Phil Deakin, the school’s Head of Science, said: “The Aerospace Challenge is a tremendous experience for all who take part, and especially for those who wish to pursue careers in engineering and aerospace. It gives them an opportunity to meet leading industry professionals and to put much of their learning into action. Boys also have to demonstrate skills in teamwork, communicating and presenting.”