Kazan schoolchildren learn to use unmanned flying vehicles: they design drones, learn flying, and participate in drone races

The correspondent of KZN.RU visited the Lyceum – Engineering Center

The number of educational institutions in Kazan integrating unmanned flying vehicles (UFVs) into their educational programs is increasing. The schools are provided with this equipment under the national project «Unmanned Aircraft Systems». The Lyceum Engineering Center at 114 Adel Kutuya Street implements this project. Approximately 200 students are involved in designing, programming, and flying UFVs. In addition to teaching students how to operate drones, the Lyceum also prepares them for various Technological Science Olympiads and competitions.

The classrooms are equipped with a variety of simulators, drones, 3D printers, workstations, robotics kits, computers, and laptops. The gym is equipped with a flight area where students can test their drones. Students can also use the nearby Kuralovo airfield for training. According to Nikita Ilyin, the deputy director of the lyceum, another drone training ground is currently being constructed at the Kazan Arena stadium. It is expected to be completed this March.

Classes on drone design are carried out as part of their supplementary education program.

A course on unmanned flying systems is available for high school students. The course starts with the basics of piloting and assembly of drones, followed by learning programming and development. Students gain practical skills in 3D modeling and the fundamentals of electronics. Younger students learn to design drones, pilot them, and participate in drone races.

Teachers of supplementary education at the lyceum are mostly PhDs from KNITU-KAI. Its employees are also trained in UFV design and development programs.

The lyceum focuses on training operators for drone racing, an innovative sport, and over the past year, the team has won more than 90 medals, cups, and diplomas. Students have the opportunity to learn how to control three different types of FPV (First Person View) multirotor drones. The lyceum currently has more than 200 unmanned flying vehicles.

In addition, lyceum students also receive training in basic skills related to the space industry. Students learn programming microcontrollers and internet of things technologies. By working with robot manipulators, they learn how to create an interface and develop a program for controlling a production site.

For reference, seven educational institutions in Kazan were provided with equipment for developing, producing, and operating drones under the national project «Unmanned Aircraft Systems».