Regular Class Requirements

Design Objective:

The objective of Regular Class is to design an aircraft that can lift as much weight as possible while observing the available power and aircraft's length, width, and height requirements. Accurately predicting the lifting capacity of the aircraft is an important part of the exercise, as prediction bonus points often determine the difference in placement between competing teams.

The Regular Class will be divided into 3 phases as follows:

Phase 1: Technical report

Teams will electronically submit their proposals for competition detailing how their design has met or exceeded the design requirements.

Phase 2: Technical Presentation and Inspection

Phase 2A : Payload Loading Demonstration (timed event during Oral Presentation).
Phase 2B : Payload Unloading Demonstration (timed event during Oral Presentation)
Phase C : Oral Presentation

Phase 3: Flight Competition

4.1 No lighter-than-air or rotary wing aircraft

Competing designs are limited to fixed wing aircraft only. No lighter-than-air or rotary wing aircraft such as helicopters or autogyros will be allowed to compete.

4.2 Aircraft Dimension Requirement

Fully configured for takeoff, the free standing aircraft shall have a maximum combined length, width, and height of 225 inches. Aircraft exceeding this design requirement will be disqualified from the competition. Length is defined as the maximum distance from front to the aft of the aircraft. Width is the span or the maximum distance from wingtip to wingtip. Height is defined as the maximum distance perpendicular to the ground to the highest part of the aircraft (propeller not included). Note: Modifications to the aircraft to meet the Length + Width + Height limitations during technical inspection are subjected to design change penalties.

4.2.1 Gross Weight Limit

Regular Class aircraft may not weigh more than fifty five (55) pounds with payload and fuel.

3.1.3 Aircraft Identification

Team number as assigned by SAE must be visible on both the top and bottom of the wing, and on both sides of the vertical stabilizer or other vertical surface in 4-inch numbers. The University name must be clearly displayed on the wings or fuselage. The University initials may be substituted in lieu of the University name provided the initials are unique and recognizable.

The assigned aircraft numbers appear next to the school name on the "Registered Teams" page of the SAE Aero Design section of the Collegiate Design Series website at:

Aero East:
http://www.sae.org/students/aeroeast.htmU
Aero West:
http://www.sae.org/students/aerowest.htmU

3.1.4 Name and Address

Regular Class aircraft must be identified with the school name and address either on the outside or the inside of the aircraft.

3.1.5 Material Restriction

The use of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) is prohibited on all parts of the aircraft. The only exception is the use of a commercially available engine mount and propeller. Exploration of other materials and building methods are greatly encouraged.
In addition, the use of lead in any portion of the aircraft (payload included) is strictly prohibited.

4.3 Aircraft System Requirement

4.3.1 Engine Requirements

Regular Class aircraft can still be powered by a single, unmodified O.S 61FX with
E-4010 Muffler.
In addition, The Magnum XLS-61A (XLS version only) is comparable to the O.S. 61 FX and is an acceptable replacement for the previous engine
No muffler extensions or headers that fit between the engine cylinder and the muffler may be used. Muffler baffles must be installed, and must be unmodified from the factory installed configuration. No fuel pumps are allowed. While the engine may not be modified from its stock configuration, two specific components may be installed on the engine for convenience and/or safety purposes:

• (a) Remote needle valves, including needle valves that may be adjusted in flight, are allowed.
• (b) Tubes that redirect the exhaust flow may be affixed to the exhaust pipe.

NOTE: Engine tear-down and inspection may be performed by the competition officials at any time during the competition.



4.3.2 Gear boxes, Drives, and Shafts

Gearboxes, belt drive systems, and propeller shaft extensions are allowed as long as a one-to-one propeller to engine RPM is maintained. The prop(s) must rotate at engine RPM.



4.3.3 Competition Supplied Fuel

The fuel for Regular Class entries will be a common grade, ten percent (10%) nitro methane fuel supplied by the Organizer.



4.3.4 Fuel Tanks

Fuel tanks must be accessible to determine contents during inspections. Tanks may be pressurized by a stock fitting on the engine muffler only.



4.3.5 Gyroscopic Assist Prohibited

No gyroscopic assist of any kind is allowed in the Regular Class.



4.4 Payload Requirements




4.4.1 Payload and Payload Support


The payload must consist of a support assembly and payload plates. All payload carried for score must be carried within the cargo bay. The support assembly must be constructed so as to retain the weights as a homogeneous mass. There is no required configuration for the payload plates. The design of the support assembly will depend upon the configuration of the payload plates. The payload must be secured to the airframe to ensure the payload will not shift or come loose in flight. The total payload consists of the plates plus the support assembly. It is the responsibility of each team to provide its own payload plates.