PHS Engineering

The name in itself implies devastation and swirling ferocity, and that has been proved time and time again in the rustic arena of BBC 2’s Robot Wars, where complete annahilation of the opponent is the only acceptable outcome. The group of Robots built by 870 Squadron numbers eight, from a mean 100kg heavyweight, to a smaller but sporty 12kg Featherweight. There’s even a bicycle ‘Byphoon’ that competed in BBC’s Techno Games. What began as a project of a group of Edinburgh Air Cadets has escalated into the creation of several technologically superior robots that continue to claim prizes and become nationally acknowledged.

The first Robot to bear the name ‘Typhoon’ was built in 2001 as a project suggested by Peter Bennett, Flying Officer of the Edinburgh Air Cadets. The aim was to build a formidable fighting robot to compete in (and hopefully win) Robot Wars. The cadet’s success was due to outstanding brainstorming, reasoning, and assistance from contacts Peter had in BAE Systems.

On Friday 17th September, the 100kg ‘Typhoon 2’ visited Peebles High School along with the 12kg ‘Typhoon Cadet’. Peter Bennett was accompanied by Roger Hill, who designed the black box recorder for the Typhoon robots.

Together they gave a truly captivating presentation to the Physics students of the School. It overviewed the story of Typhoon’s success and the vital play of physics and mathematics. Outlining how the application of physics theory proved invaluable to the cadets was a definite eye opener to students. The comparison of its design compared to others showed the genius of the thinking that led to Typhoon’s victory. The presentation also explained and showed the sheer amount of harnessed energy possessed by the awesome cone shaped spinning weapon. Typhoon 2’s weapon weighed 50kg - half the total weight of the robot, spinning at 1000rpm, with its cutting blades moving at 110mph. It basically totals up to have enough energy to hurl a 100kg object 39 metres into the air. This is more powerful than anything ever seen before on Robot Wars.

Following this, it was time for the actual demonstration. Unfortunately though, despite having its weapon motor removed, the enormous ‘Typhoon 2’ was simply too dangerous to operate in the assembly hall. The small ‘Typhoon Cadet’ however was perfect to show off the nimbleness and sturdiness of the design. After a brief tutorial on the operation of the robot by Peter, several students took it in turns to drive the ‘Typhoon Cadet’ around the arena created by chairs. Everyone laughed as the small bot crashed into chairs and whizzed around the floor under control of eager students.

Books of the Typhoon story, it’s application of maths and physics, and even instructions on how to build your own featherweight Typhoon were on sale in the hall. The event was a fantastic success, both in the enjoyment and educational factor, and students are hoping that the school will continue to accommodate such events in the near future.

'Typhoon' Storms High School