Two Bathurst locals and best mates are flying high after representing the Australian Defence Force drone racing team at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament in the United Kingdom last month.

The Army reservists were part of the seven-person ADF racing team that successfully defended its championship title for a fifth time. 

Corporal William Maloney is head teacher of technology and applied studies at Denison College, and Corporal Daniel McCullock is senior spatial developer with the Department of Customer Service based in Bathurst. 

They competed against pilots from allied nations including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Philippines, United States and New Zealand at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

“This was another amazing opportunity to travel overseas as part of the ADF drone racing team,” Corporal Maloney said.

“I started flying drones on the oval near my house and now we are representing the ADF and winning on a global scale.”

The pair, who qualified as the fastest drone pilots in the ADF at the past three international tournaments, met through their local reserve unit and bonded over a shared love of technology, engineering and the thrill of drone racing. 

'Corporal Maloney and Corporal McCullock both exemplify how skill, dedication and service intersect.'

Their competitive edge comes from hours spent flying and honing their racing skills, and founding the Panorama Drone Racing Club.

“We spend a lot of time flying together competitively and socially,” Corporal McCullock said.

“Drone racing is really about practice, precision, timing and pushing each other to keep improving our skills. 

“Representing the ADF team, travelling all over the world and being able to do it with my best mate is just an incredible privilege.”

President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, said the pair were not only exceptional drone racers but also ambassadors for the emerging field of drone technology in Defence.

“Corporal Maloney and Corporal McCullock both exemplify how skill, dedication and service intersect,” Wing Commander Joyce said.

“Being a part of the drone racing team and winning at this high level is much more than just a test of speed and reflexes, it is a collective effort for everyone to succeed – military drone racing is a team sport.”

Drone racing is an authorised and encouraged adaptive sport in Army.