AIAA DESIGN BUILD FLY COMPETITON

Abstract

This project analyzes the challenges that distributed manufacturing pose to solving modern engineering challenges. The goal of the project is to build a Production plane that can complete an obstacle course carrying a 32 oz. Gatorade bottle payload. The Production plane must be broken down into multiple sub-assembles that are then carried by a Support plane through the same course. This project is for the AIAA Design Build Fly Competition, so the conceptual design phase is dominated by score optimization. The Production plane will break down into two subcomponents that can then fit in the back of the Support Plane fuselage. The production plane will be constructed using carbon fiber for improved durability. The Support plane will be constructed of wood to reduce cost. Due to lack of funding, the planes could not complete in the competition. However, extensive ground testing and analysis indicates that both planes satisfy all major competition performance requirements.