Preparing Students For New Opportunities
Renewable energy is the fastest growing energy market in the United States, with green technology being introduced in the automotive industry and several other mainstream industries. 'Iolani students are on the forefront of this movement to integrate technology into the sustainability space. The E-Hawk project is one example of how 'Iolani students are shaping the development of aircraft powered by renewable energy, a project that puts students squarely at the intersection of sustainability and engineering. .
Shaping Sustainable Flight
The E-Hawk is an electric-powered motor glider project built in the Sullivan Center For Innovation and Leadership at ‘Iolani School. The aircraft represents an innovative first step in advancing sustainable air travel while exposing students to disciplines in engineering, aviation, and project management.
Phase I of the project challenged our team of students to build the EMG-6 experimental aircraft using the open source plans provided by Rainbow Aviation. Phase II demanded that our students design and implement the electrical propulsion system and custom avionics. The ultimate goal is to fly the aircraft within the Hawaiian islands using only renewable energy.
A major step toward that goal occurred on September 1, 2022, when the E-Hawk took its first test flight at Kawaihapai Airfield.
The project exposed student builders to engineering, aviation, communication, marketing, and project management disciplines. Its success is a result of the limitless potential an 'Iolani education provides, demonstrating that with the right tools, environment, and mentorship, anything is possible.
Hands-On Learning
Students who enroll in courses within the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership at ‘Iolani School benefit from learning a myriad of skills through the offered robotics electives and the extracurricular competitive robotics program. These skills include mechanical design using CAD; fabrication techniques using 3D printers, laser and waterjet cutters, CNC routers and mills; electrical circuit design; and embedded microcontroller programming.
The design and build of this technically challenging project has exposed our students to varying disciplines including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Using state-of-the-art CAD software and fabrication tools, the team has become proficient in the many skills that are required to develop a product. Much of what they have learned has not come in the form of direct instruction, but rather from their willingness to do the research necessary to acquire the specific skills themselves. In addition to the technical skills, the E-Hawk project has taught our students what it takes to work efficiently and effectively in a team environment and how to overcome tough challenges.
Future Opportunities
Support for this campaign will provide resources that allow 'Iolani School to initiate and complete projects like the E-Hawk, which not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience in engineering and project management, but also have the potential to address challenges in the areas of sustainability and renewable energy.