University of Missouri-Rolla students took first place in an international radio-controlled airplane competition May 2-4 in Dayton, Ohio.

UMR Avanced Aero Vehicle Group

UMR’s Advanced Aero Vehicle Group finished in first place out of five entries in its class, successfully carrying more than 70 pounds, at the Society of Automotive Engineers’ Aero Design East Competition, one of two annual international competitions sponsored by SAE.

The competition required student teams to design and build radio-controlled aircraft that can take off and land while carrying a maximum weight of cargo. The planes must comply with stringent design specifications.

"Our goal of forming student teams such as the AAVG is to open up opportunities and create environments for students to seek fresh ideas and generate original solutions to problems," says Dr. Fathi Finaish, professor and associate chair of aerospace engineering. Finaish is the team advisor.

UMR’s team designed a 35-pound aircraft with a 19-foot wing span that lifted more than 70 pounds. The aircraft incorporated unique design and construction features, including lightweight materials, construction techniques and high-tech hardware.