The Competition
What is AIAA DBF?
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Each year students of the University of Washington take part in the AIAA Design, Build, Fly (DBF) competition. Teams from over one-hundred institutions must design, fabricate, and demonstrate the flight capabilities of an unmanned, electric, radio-controlled aircraft that best meets specified mission profiles. Encouraging innovation, these mission requirements change each year.
The Experience
Through this competition, students gain real-world aircraft design experience. Students working with the team will develop skills with products that will carry over to their professional careers. DBF gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines within aeronautics and apply what they learn in classes in a setting similar to that of industry.
The Latest
Relive our journey during the 2022 AIAA DBF Competition in Wichita Kansas, the first in-person competition since 2019.