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2026 Design, Build, Fly
- Program: Mechanical Engineering
- Course: Clubs
- Year: 2026
Project Description:
In Johns Hopkins Design/Build/Fly, we design and construct remote-controlled aircraft to compete in the international AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition. The plane is outlined by mission-specific constraints, which are translated into performance requirements. The aircraft is then modelled with CAD software and validated with aerodynamic analysis and prototyping. This year, the team is manufacturing a banner-towing bush plane required to carry passengers (rubber ducks) and cargo (hockey pucks), and to autonomously deploy/release a banner mid-flight. To meet strength-to-weight requirements, we fabricated the wing and fuselage using carbon fiber composites. Upon being manufactured, we complete extensive testing, including load testing, taxi tests, and flight validation. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we integrate aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems engineering into a flight-ready and mission-capable aircraft.
Project Photo:
Image of fully assembled composite aircraft for DBF 2026 competition