Army drone racer among nation's best – Australian Department of Defence

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11 September 2023
Army drone racer and 4th Combat Service Support Battalion driver Private Hamish Glover kept pace with the fastest drone pilots in the country to take out fourth place in a thrilling racing display at the Drone Racing Nationals in Townsville.
Four of the Army’s fastest drone racers qualified to compete in the national event that ran over four days in August, with fierce and fast competition against amateur and professional drone racers, including multiple world number one Thomas Bitmatta.
Private Glover, from Geelong, was ecstatic to place fourth.
“I was surprised and thrilled to make it all the way to fourth place, well exceeding my expectations,” he said.
“The whole team put in a huge effort, making big moves up the standings as the competition progressed. Representing Army at a national event is such a rewarding experience.
“The Drone Nationals is the pinnacle of drone racing in Australia so it’s very competitive but there is also a real camaraderie between the racers. It’s a very inclusive and supportive sport and we have a lot of fun doing it.”
The first day, of qualifying heats, was followed by a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) schools’ day, where racers from the Army, Air Force and Australian Army cadet drone racing teams engaged with hundreds of spectators, including students from local Townsville schools.
Competition organiser and former Australian Army drone racer Zakariah Martin-Taylor said the skills of drone racers improved each year.
“There is really a new level of skill emerging, particularly among the newer racers entering the sport,” Mr Martin-Taylor said.
“It was an exciting and thrilling competition, with the fastest 75 drone racers from around the country in an epic battle for the title and the cash prizes.
“Drone racing is not only great fun but it also provides lots of opportunities for career pathways into STEM-related fields, such as robotics and engineering.
“Many schools have drone programs, so students are already familiar with the technology. Our aim is to increase awareness of future opportunities and encourage kids to get involved in the sport.”
Drones can reach speeds of up to 200km/h. The resulting crashes, which are frequent, mean drone racers not only have to be quick and agile on the racetrack but also skilled in building and repairing their drones.
 
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