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        parrish_len%si@mr.nawcad.navy.mil, m-selig@uiuc.edu From: Greg Page <gregory.s.page@nrl.navy.mil> Subject: DBF Q&A #1
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Q&A #1
17Nov98

This is the first of what will become a series of e-mails to address
questions submitted by teams, or to provide updates to the general
contest information and schedules.  You need not respond that you have
received this e-mail, but if you know your e-mail system has been down
for any period of time you may want to check if you missed anything.
In general, if I get a bounced e-mail to any team I will try to resend
it a couple of times.

>From Va Tech:

Q: Can we deform the bottles to better fit the aircraft?

A: No.  The purpose of using "standardized" bottles is to force the
designs to contain a "usable" payload volume, both size and shape.
You can choose either round or square bottles to give some options in
how you want to package the payload.

>From Georgia Tech:

Q: Can an arrestor hook similar to an aircraft carrier be used?

A: No.  Aircraft can have brakes.  ALL systems that assist the
aircraft during take-off and landing must be an integral part of the
aircraft and be carried during the entire flight,

>From Cal Poly:

Q: Can I add another person to my roster who will be my pilot? 

A: You can add (or drop) team members at any time during the year as
long as the % underclassmen ratio is retained.  Also, all new members
(except a designated non-student pilot) should be AIAA members.  We
will also again have some pilots available at the contest for teams
whose pilot can not make the competition.  Remember, the aircraft must
have proof (photo) of flight prior to the competition, so you will at
least need a local pilot for the initial flight.

Q: Can I use non-model aircraft engines in our aircraft?

A: Any electric motor is allowed provided it is commercially available
(ie.  must be available for any individual to purchase a copy if
desired).
 
Q: Can solar cells be used in conjunction with Nicad batteries?

A: No.  The ONLY source of energy for any and all systems on the
aircraft must be the NiCad propulsion batteries.  The exceptions are
the radio can (and it is recommended) be powered by a separate NiCad
battery pack, and retracts and brakes (if used) can have a
pre-pressurized air bottle.  The air bottle can be recharged during
the ground service between sorties.  NONE of the battery packs can be
charged or changed between sorties.
 
Q: How can I obtain a copy of the winning report from the last year, and from the year prior? 

A: The reports from last year (97/98) have not yet been published.
When they are I will post the document information.  Reports from the
prior year (96/97) are published as NTIS Accession Number: AD-A329
477/4/XAB : Support of AIAA Student Aircraft Design/Fly Competition

Q:. How can I obtain a copy of how the grading is done (ie a blank grade sheet)?

A: The grading information that is given to the judges is the same as
the report data requirements included in the rules which you already
have.  The judges are also given a printout of the complete rules and
copies of the FAQ and any Q&A responses.

-Greg

Gregory S. Page
"If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse."

email: gregory.s.page@nrl.navy.mil
Contest email: Include DBF in the subject line Contest web page: http://amber.aae.uiuc.edu/~aiaadbf