The 2024 Vertical Flight Society Design-Build-Vertical-Flight Student Competition was a success! The event was once again held at our Applied Technology Operation. A big shoutout to everyone who helped make this event possible!
This year’s competition challenged the teams to build an electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft weighing no more than 20 lb (9 kg) and capable of carrying a payload of at least 2 lb (0.9 kg), with sufficient endurance to complete the demanding requirements. In addition, the aircraft had to be able to fly manually and autonomously.
We had a great turnout this year, with nine competing teams: Auburn University, Case Western Reserve University, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Texas A&M University, University of Maryland, and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
Texas A&M University took first place, Maryland took second, and Georgia Tech took third. There was even an award for best crash this year, with the University of Maryland taking home a TRV-150 propellor as the prize.
This event is always an exciting and challenging competition, and we were proud to be a part of it!
