Aviation collaboration: Joanneum Aeronautics takes flight
The Joanneum Aeronautics DBF Team, a student union at the FH Joanneum in Graz, Austria, is preparing to participate in the prestigious AIAA Design Build Fly (DBF) competition, which takes place annually in Wichita, Kansas. This international contest challenges university teams to design, build, and fly an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to meet specific mission requirements.
One of the team members, Lucas Kappel, lived in the STUWO dormitory Dückegasse during his internship in the aviation industry. Kappel, who completed his bachelor's degree in Aviation at the FH Joanneum in 2021, is now pursuing a master's degree in the same field. He also holds a Private Pilot License, demonstrating his passion for aviation.
The DBF Team's mission for this year's contest is to design, build, and test a UAV for delivering vaccines. The UAV mission includes one flight without actual load, transport of syringes in containers, and a full-automatic deposit of the load without manual intervention.
The team is currently working diligently on building their UAV and has already conducted some test flights. In addition to the technical aspect, the team is also responsible for management tasks such as planning travels and events, writing and maintaining project reports, and organizing sponsors and supporters. The sub team leader's main task is fundraising for the project.
The joanneum Aeronautics team aims to participate in the Wichita event in April 2022. They encourage readers to visit their blog "Hangartalk" on the FH Joanneum website and their social media accounts for more detailed and up-to-date information about their specific participation or achievements in the Design Build Fly competition.
The AIAA Design Build Fly competition offers practical hands-on experience in aeronautical engineering and flight operations, providing crucial exposure for students in design, manufacturing, and flight testing. Past years have seen teams develop UAVs tested in fly-offs during the event, with overall placements such as second or fourth place achieved by some teams at the Wichita fly-offs.
The Joanneum Aeronautics DBF Team looks forward to competing against international teams in the contest. Their hard work and dedication are a testament to the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives the world of aviation.
Lucas Kappel, a member of the Joanneum Aeronautics DBF Team and a student pursuing a master's degree in Aviation, aims to incorporate technology in his lifestyle and education-and-self-development by participating in the AIAA Design Build Fly competition. The team's project for the contest, a UAV designed to deliver vaccines, embodies the fusion of technology, education, and a commitment to global health issues, reflecting the team's drive and the spirit of innovation within the aviation industry.
