Engineering Talent Takes Flight at RIAT 2025
On Saturday 19th July 2025 started with a roar—thunder, lightning, and torrential rain set a dramatic scene for the final showdown of the 2025 Lockheed Martin Engineering Challenge. But as the skies cleared over RAF Fairford, over 40 bright young minds from schools across Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire arrived, ready to put their engineering mettle to the test.
These students had already proven themselves in school heats over the past three months, where teams designed, built, and programmed LEGO® robots to navigate a simulated Mars terrain. At the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the challenge levelled up: not only did robots collect "Mars samples," but they also delivered them to launch structures designed to fire a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) into orbit. The one rule? Think outside the box.
Creativity Meets Collaboration
Despite the break between their in-school competitions and the final, the students jumped in like seasoned pros. Roles were clear, teamwork was seamless, innovation was front and centre. The teams worked tirelessly throughout the day, only pausing to refuel (with lunch) and to marvel at the spectacular aerial displays roaring overhead.
The buzzing jets, curious onlookers, and ticking clock added real-world pressure—a thrilling simulation of the kinds of challenges future engineers might face. By 3pm, it was time for final tests. Each team impressed us—not just with technical accomplishments, but with their ability to prioritise, adapt, and persevere.
Special Guests & a Stellar Win
We were honoured to be joined by two incredible leaders in aerospace and defence: Stephanie C. Hill, President of Rotary and Mission Systems at Lockheed Martin, and Air Marshal Harv Smyth, the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff at the RAF. Their words and presence inspired both students and spectators alike.
They also had the pleasure of announcing our overall 2025 winners:
The “Power Tools” from Archway School, Stroud. Not only did they deliver an exceptional robot solution, but their presentation was one of the longest and most detailed we’ve ever seen—thoughtful, technical, and utterly impressive.
A Challenge Made Possible By...
None of this would be possible without a dedicated team behind the scenes:
Schools across the region for hosting workshops and championing STEM learning
Stephanie C. Hill and Harv Smyth for taking time to inspire future engineers
STEMworks staff and Lockheed Martin volunteers for their tireless support at every stage
The RAF Charitable Trust, whose logistical wizardry made the final event shine
Lockheed Martin for funding the challenge and investing in the next generation—over 300 students this year!
And above al
Thank you to every student who took part. Your creativity, effort, and enthusiasm made this year unforgettable.