Joining forces to build Recruiting Exhibits

[fcgonzalez]

All, I've been approached by my RAAF hierarchy to think about developing exhibits for recruiting at air shows and other public events using some of my group's Electronic Warfare items, such as radar antennas, missiles, defensive countermeasures, ejection seat, etc.

Have a think about what cadets could do to spruce up some of these to make them even more appealing. The aim is to create eye-catching, interactive displays to promote a high-tech Air Force.

One scenario I have in mind combines IT, electronics and modelling to show a scale model rotating radar dish triggering a defensive reaction from a suspended model aircraft, using a laser or focussed light beam...(is this starting to sound a bit geeky?)

I would think cadets could take on this activity as an advanced elective and score themselves a few trips to, say, Avalon or Amberley. What better way to merge recruiting objectives for both organisations?

[Wells]

I support it. I believe it would be a good way to bring in members and show them what we are all about.

[ElecEng08]

Sir,

Certainly would be something that would draw my attention.. Mainly to have a look at the electronics and other cool tech stuff!

I only have one question sir, who would build it? the RAAF or the cadets? because I don't know too many cadets that would have the prerequisite technical skills to design and make something like that (imagine a 13-14 year old cadet with a soldering iron! )

I'd certainly love to see something like that though if I was wandering about at an airshow!

[Joshua Phillips]

Sounds really interesting.

I presume CFSGT, that this project will be guided by the RAAF that help the cadets build these. It may be open to say CSGT and above or above a certain age. This would be great experiance for someone looking to getting into eletronics, I know im interested.

This would be perfect if it was at avalon or other airshows, the RAAF gets there recruiting through it, plus also people see how the cadets are involved with the RAAF which would be a bonus for us.

Regards,

[ElecEng08]

It certainly is an interesting concept.

My only concern is that many cadets wouldn't have the neccesary technical skills to construct something like that. It certainly would be something that would benefit cadets who were interested in technical areas such as science and engineering.

If the cadets were to build some interactive displays, wouldn't there need to be a course run on it? like covering cirucuits and components applicable etc.? and then, unless you wanted to talk about senior physics/chem etc would you need to make the course open to those people studying those subjects (not to mention the maths..)

Of course I have an interest.. being a 2nd year electrical engineering student.. It's certainly not impossible!

[fcgonzalez]

The Hi-Tech is a passion for me as well, but for the Clipsal 500 event I'm now focussing on a schedule of public exhibition competitive events between Army, Navy and Air Force. Sumo wrestling (wearing white, blue and green sumo suits), 3-way tug-o-war, mixed beach volleyball, time trials for various military activities, etc.

Any suggestions for cadet involvement?

[fcgonzalez]

Further to the high tech display content, we're looking at employing NVGs (or failing that, just aircrew helmets - providing eye protection) and IR controlled aircraft in a darkened enclosure, then knocking them out with hostile IR beams - nice EW in practice