The UMSAE Aero Design team returned from competition in early May with successful results. The team, shown below, received two awards and finished in the

top ten overall!

The team competed in the SAE International Aero Design East competition in Marietta, Georgia. This took place from April 29th to May 1st.

Day 1:

The first day of competition consisted of technical inspections and design presentations. The team was off to a great start by passing inspections on the first attempt . The image below show the team after their successful technical inspection. The team then presented their design to a panel of Lockheed Martin judges. The presentation consisted of a timed demonstration to show that the team could quickly install their payload into the aircraft, followed by an oral presentation of the design and design methodology. The team was also required to present a marketing brochure to highlight the features of the aircraft.

Day 2:

The team started out the second day of competition with a successful empty flight (a requirement of the competition). In total the day consisted of four flight rounds. The University of Manitoba entry received scores in three of the four rounds, but required overnight repairs after the final round of the day.

The photo below shows the team carrying the heavy lift aircraft out to the runway:

The team watching the aircraft during a successful flight:

A view of the airfield as the University of Manitoba aircraft completes the required circuit:

Day 3:

Though the team had a late night and early morning, they were able to prepare the aircraft to compete in the final day of competition. Though the first flight resulted in further damage to the plane, the team was able to pull together to quickly effect repairs and compete in the second round of the day.

Waiting in line to compete:

Coming in for a landing:

Overall, UMSAE Aero finished 9th place out of the 47 teams at competition from across the globe, with a 5th place in the Design Element and was the 2nd highest placee Canadian team! The team received top scores in presentation and was also the recipient of the award for the best presentation in Regular Class!

To top it all of, UMSAE Aero was also presented with an award for Systems Engineering by NASA!!

UMSAE Aero with their Presentation Award:

The team is thrilled with these results in the 2011 Aero Design Competition and is already well underway in it's preparations for 2012.