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Vehicle Photos & Videos
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Note: Pictures from our participation two years ago in 2023 appear here.
Download our design decision document.
See our assembly procedures for building the chassis and wiring system.
Watch our instructional video for battery safety.
We are the only Israeli group competing in the contest
This month was the first to get off to a brisk start. We arrived at the kickoff – the first meeting facing the challenges, the guidelines and the deadline. After a brief explanation of the year’s mission, we already began to take shape and understand where we were headed. Immediately after the kickoff, we sat down as a group and divided roles according to interests and abilities – system engineers, pilots, programmers, website builders and more. Everyone took responsibility, and we knew that from here we would only take off. We had experience from previous years.
This is the month when the first drone took to the sky. We went out into the open field to test the drone's tether. The wind was blowing, but the propellers were spinning – we conducted several experiments: stable flights, responses to commands from the controller, and release system tests. Some of the experiments ended in crashes... but it only strengthened our understanding of what needed to be improved.
December was the month when we began to imagine the ideal drone. System design, drawings, components that needed to be ordered, and at the same time – deepening the release system that would bring us valuable points in the competition. We divided the teams into subgroups: mechanical design, control programming, and chassis construction. Each member of the group began to specialize, and new skills were acquired along the way – mainly through trial and error.
With the start of the new year, we also turned to our website. The technology team – led by Aviv, Ian, Dan, Shira and Mika – began building the digital platform that would represent us. While self-taught in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, a well-designed, dynamic and responsive website was created. Along the way, bugs appeared, languages got confused, but every line of code brought us closer to the goal.
The weeks passed and we reached a state of near readiness – so we returned to the field. We conducted a series of advanced flights that included simulations of the tasks in the competition: autonomous navigation, payload release, and target identification. We began to document everything – every flight was analyzed, every malfunction was fixed. The field became our second home.
As with any engineering project, not everything worked smoothly for us. In March, we entered a phase of troubleshooting. The drone was upgraded – the release system was renewed, the battery was replaced, and communications were improved. In addition, we continued to improve the website, add documentary media, technical documentation, and the parts required for flight proofing and modeling.
The race to the finish line was starting to feel intense. We prepared a neat folder with all the necessary documents – planning documents, drawings, videos, and information about the team. We conducted dress rehearsals – both in the field and among ourselves, including simulations of a presentation to the judges. Even practicing unexpected questions. We made sure that the team acted in precise coordination, and everyone knew their place.
The last month before the competition. We felt it in the air – we united all the components into one complete system. The pilots logged hours of flight time, the developers polished the website, and the documenters added the personal touch. The team website was completed with spectacular photos, flight videos, documents, and testimonials – just like a business card of a professional team. We booked flight tickets, booked a hotel to stay in during the competition days, and arranged a schedule for our stay in the United States.
Procedures number 1.
Respect and Collaboration. Treat all team members with respect. Listen actively, communicate clearly, and support each other.
Procedures number 2.
Punctuality and Commitment. Arrive on time to all meetings and work sessions. Be consistent and committed to the team's progress.
Procedures number 3.
Responsibility Complete assigned tasks on time and take responsibility for your work. If you encounter a problem, communicate early.
Procedures number 4.
Safety First Follow all safety guidelines when working with drones, tools, or equipment. Never operate drones unsupervised.
Procedures number 5.
Open Communication Keep communication open and honest. Share ideas, ask questions, and give constructive feedback.
Procedures number 6.
Respect the Workspace Keep the work area clean and organized. Return all tools and materials to their proper place.
Procedures number 7.
Learning and Growth Approach every challenge as a learning opportunity. Be open to new skills and knowledge.
Procedures number 8.
Represent the Team Whether online or in person, act respectfully and professionally as a representative of our team, school, and country.
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