Joining the AIAA UNSW DBF, each student will learn how to design, build and fly a complex RC aircraft as part of a multi-disciplinary team competing against the best universities from around the world.
Student Projects Snapshot
About the ChallENG Student Project
The AIAA UNSW Student Branch is the society for students studying Aerospace Engineering at UNSW. Part of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the club offers resources and opportunities for members seeking to build connections with key industry professionals and explore the Aerospace industry.
The AIAA UNSW Design Build Fly team was formed in late 2018 to compete in the annual AIAA Design Build Fly Competition in the United States. The specifications for the aircraft vary yearly, hence requiring fresh designs. This year’s requirements involved developing a multi-purpose aircraft to support carrier operations. Their mission is to provide students with hands-on experience and an avenue through which coursework is applied towards an aerospace engineering project.
Who we are looking for
- Students who are passionate about the aerospace industry! We welcome members from all faculties and disciplines, but if you wish to join the official AIAA executive team, you must be enrolled in an Aerospace Engineering degree
- The projects require expertise in electrical, mechanical, aerospace and software engineering
Why you should join
- Apply theoretical coursework in a highly practical and focused project
- Learn how to operate and work within a multidisciplinary team
- AIAA provides fantastic opportunities to students who are passionate about the Aerospace industry
- The team offers the chance to expand your network both within the aerospace industry and with your aerospace peers across multiple universities.
Team’s Academic Lead
I got to build a plane – something that would fly! As the manufacturing lead, I directed a team of five to build the plane. We would build parts from the drawing and designs we had developed in the Makerspace (a making workshop at UNSW where we can use tools to build our projects). We got to laser cut wing ribs, 3D print different parts and put everything together ourselves!
Christie Lau, Manufacturing Lead AIAA Design Build Fly 5th Year Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science (2019)
