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2024-2025 RCAT Mission |
Design Build Fly 2024 -2025 Rules
The Design, Build, Fly (DBF) competition for 2024-2025 requires teams to design and build an aircraft with a maximum wingspan of six feet. The missions involve carrying specific payloads, including no payload for Mission 1 and an X-1 test vehicle with fuel tanks for Missions 2 and 3. The X-1 test vehicle must weigh no more than 0.55 pounds and be capable of autonomous flight, including a 180-degree turn after being launched from an altitude of 200 to 400 feet above ground level. Fuel tanks must be commercial beverage bottles with a minimum capacity of 16 ounces and may only be modified for decoration. All missions must be flown in sequence, except for the Ground Mission, which can be attempted at any time. Aircraft must use ground rolling takeoffs and landings, with no external assistance permitted for takeoff. Mission scoring is based on successful flight completion, lap times, payload weight, and bonus points for the X-1 test vehicle’s landing accuracy. The Ground Mission involves a timed assembly and installation of payloads, followed by a safe demonstration of the X-1 test vehicle launch. Navigation autonomy is allowed for the X-1 test vehicle, but radio control is prohibited. All aircraft must pass a rigorous technical inspection to ensure structural integrity, battery compliance, and fail-safe systems. The competition timeline includes a proposal submission deadline of October 31, 2024, and a design report submission deadline of February 21, 2025. The fly-off will take place from April 10 to April 13, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona.