2003 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2003 Competition Specific
Updated 28 October 2003

Please check the FAQ often during the competition. Please note that rules interpretation questions are not answered by e-mail until after the entry date (when all participant e-mail address are known), so that all teams will have equal access to all rules information.

General Notes:

1. A question was submitted asking if the Plattenburg “Graupner Style” motors are legal for the competition. The answer is No. Teams should make sure they have documentation for their motor, preferably the purchase invoice(s) and the manufacturers labeling should be easily visible to the judges during the technical inspection. Teams may be asked to remove their motor so the manufacturers label may be checked.

Payload Questions:

Question: Are wing pods for carrying the cargo permitted?
Answer: External pods (wing or fuselage mounted) may NOT be used for carrying the payload. (rev 22Oct02)
Question: Can the payload box have provisions outside the required dimensions for attaching it to the airframe or can they be internal?
Answer: There may not be any “holes” through the payload box for mounting. You may have external “tabs” for mounting, or may make brackets that surround and secure the payload.
Question: Does the payload have to be a “perfect” box or can it have rounded or chamfered corners?
Answer: You may round the payload box corners up to a 3/16” radius or chamfer.
Question: Since self-deployment of the payload in mission B will be accomplished by remote, can we use the receiver to activate the payload drop, or “can the students run out and deploy the payload”?
Answer: The payload deployment MUST be controlled by the RC Tx/Rx system. No physical “intervention” is allowed.
Question: Can the antenna and mount for the Decoy mission (A) be left installed on the aircraft when flying the other missions.
Answer: No. The antenna and mount must be removed from the aircraft for the alternate missions.
Question: Can fairings be applied to the fuselage that “in effect” fair the antenna if they remain at least the specified 3” away.
Answer: No. The statement “the antenna must not be faired in any manor” can also be viewed such that the “antenna must have an unobstructed 360 degree horizontal field of view”. An exception to the field of view will be made for the vertical tail(s) and/or wing struts.
Question: Can we add nose or tail cones to the avionics box to be dropped with it.
Answer: No. The only thing which can be “deployed” is the box itself.
Question: The rules state "The aircraft must have a simulated cylindrical antenna, a section of (unmodified) "6-inch" Schedule 40 (white) PVC pipe three inches tall, with the top and bottom sealed flush with flat 1/16" Plywood sheets." Since the 1/16" plywood is pretty thin, can I assume that it is attached as end caps to the PVC (i.e. over the ends as opposed to inside the inner diameter) to create a total combined height of 3 inches? That is the PVC is actually cut to 3 inches minus the combined 1/8 inch thickness of the two plywood ends - resulting in 2 7/8 inch of PVC plus 1/8 inch of plywood ends?

Also, is the 1/16 inch plywood considered to be the minimum? If I need to thicken it to provide sufficient strength to support the 'antenna' from a pylon, is that permitted, provided the entire height stays at 3 inches? Is it permissible to add whatever internal structure I might need to support the antenna - again provided that the outer dimensions are not violated?
Answer: The PVC section must be 3”. The plywood may be either “inside” or “capping” (which would make the total height 3 1/8”). You may add what ever bracing/gussets you want inside the antenna.
Question: Can we attach a hook (or eyelet) to the top of the box by screwing it in.
Answer: No, as stated above you may not drill holes in the box. You can attach a “tab” to the outside of the box by glue/welding/rivets (yes, the rivets can go through holes in the box, but this is the only exception).
Question: Is the payload box provided by the competition or may we make our own?
Answer: Each team will make and bring their own payload “box” and antenna disk
Question: Can we add nose and tail cones to the avionics box to be dropped with it. If not, then can we make something that falls separately at the same time as the box?
Answer: Fairing/Cones may not be added to the box. For the sensor deployment mission only the box may leave the aircraft. The exception is that a lower “hatch” may be released separately and does not need to be replace providing the aircraft is structurally and aerodynamically able to fly the remaining mission without it. Also, to prevent jettisoning half of the fuselage, the “hatch” must be no larger in planform than the box planform plus ½” in length and width.
Question: Since no “3 inch away” fairing of the antenna is allowed (see #6 above) does this means the antenna cannot be directly forward or aft of the payload box, in other words the antenna and payload box can't be on the same horizontal plane.
Answer: If the payload box is on the same plane as the antenna it would clearly violate the 360^o field of view required by response #6 above, so would not be allowed.

Flight / Mission Questions

1. Question: Does the ten minute mission window apply to one flight attempt (chosen from Mission A, B, or C) or to two different Missions flown in one uninterrupted sequence?
Answer: The 10 minute window is for a single mission event (A, B or C).

2. Question: For mission 2, how is the takeoff distance judged after the airplane lands and deposits its cargo? Does the pilot have to drive to the takeoff line, or must the whole landing/takeoff operation be performed in the 120 feet assigned?
Answer: The plane may land anywhere on the runway. After depositing the payload it must take-off (wheels off the ground) before reaching the take-off “marker” 120 feet past the start line. The plane does not need to first taxi to the start line, but may begin the take-off from wherever it is following release of the payload. If the plane is “past” the start line, you may taxi back to the start line to begin the take-off if desired.

3. Question: In the rules examples, all the times are in round minutes. What accuracy will be used for determining flight times?
Answer: It’s just to make the rules document cases simple. We will record times to the accuracy possible, probably to nearest second.

4. Question: The rules state the aircraft must have the wheels off the ground in 120 feet. Is there any height requirement?
Answer: No, the rules are correct as stated. Aircraft must have ALL wheels off the ground by the 120 foot line, and they must remain off until the landing. There is no "obstacle" height requirement for this year.

5. Question: Is there a minimum altitude for flying the course?
Answer: No. Altitude must be high enough for safe flight as set by the discretion of the Contest Director.

6. Question: How are the turns made, and is there a set turn radius?
Answer: The turns may not be initiated until the turn judge raises his flag (for the two 180 degree turns), but may then proceed to be any turn radius and rate the aircraft is capable of. The 360 degree turn can be initiated anytime the aircraft is on the "downwind" leg and also may be any turn radius and rate the aircraft is capable of.

7. Question: In the rules, it says that the flight time lasts "...until the aircraft comes to a complete stop past the starting line at the completion of all laps..." Does the ground crew have to return the aircraft to the runway before the time is stopped?
Answer: If the airplane rolls off of the runway BEFORE reaching the starting line it must be returned to the runway to taxi or be carried to the starting line. If it rolls off of the runway PAST the starting line it does not need to be returned to the runway.

8. Question: Is it safe to assume that if the rules do not explicitly forbid something, it is allowed?
Answer: The rules are intentionally designed to not impose too many limitations while allowing each team an equal chance. If something adheres to the "spirit" of the rules it is likely to be allowed. If you have any specific questions you would like clarified they may be addressed in a private e-mail to the contest administrator. Ideas will not be disclosed to other teams if they represent a legal and innovative approach. If it is deemed to be not legal, it may be added to this FAQ or posted to the other teams at the administrators discretion.

Report Questions

1. Question: Is the antenna mount in mission A included in the RAC as a vertical surface? Is the servo(s) for deploying the payload included in the “Flight Systems” costs?
Answer: No, the RAC does not include the payload antenna either as weight (as noted in the MEW) or surfaces/sizes. It does include any servos required by the payload deployment system, as that must be a permanent part of the aircraft.

2. Question: For the “Testing Plan” section of the report in-flight tests are required. Is there a point penalty for not completing the in-flight tests?
Answer: To obtain the maximum points all information asked for in a section must be present. Point deductions will be determined by the judges based on provided-vs-missing information.

3. Question: In the RAC is “motor controller” the same as “speed controller”.
Answer: Yes, the two terms could be taken interchangeably.

4. Question: In the RAC do electric brakes count as a type of controller
Answer: Yes. A single servo or solenoid controlling air or hydraulic brakes would count as one controller. If a separate electric actuators are used for each wheel, that would count as two (or more) controllers

5. Question: The RAC states: "A "V" tail is considered to be a Vertical surface without control (5 hr) plus a horizontal surface with controls (10 hr), for a total of 15 hrs" .How is the horizontal span of the V-tail applied under the provision that: "A horizontal surface is a 'wing' if it is more than 25% of the span of the greatest span horizontal surface."?
Answer: For the “25% span” rule the horizontal projection of a V-tail will be used as the effective horizontal span.

6. Question: Could you please define "control volumes" as stated in the 2003 Rules, Design Report section, paragraph 5
Answer: These are the classic static control volumes, (Surface_area x Lever Arm)/Reference_length

7. Question: How will the maximum exposed wing chord would be measured for a flying wing. For payload considerations, it is stated that the "fuselage" is the inner most 18" of span. Does this also apply for the maximum exposed chord measurement, or will the max chord be measured at the centerline (if this is the largest chord length).
Answer: For “All Wing” configurations the maximum wing chord will be measured 18” out from the centerline or at the largest chord location that is MORE than 18” out from the centerline.

General Questions

Question: Can there be thrust vectoring via rotating the engine, nozzles, blown surfaces etc.?
Answer: Yes. Any of the above options is allowed, and may be varied during flight. However, "rotary wing" vehicles are not allowed, so you may need to consult the judges with your specific design and it's thrust levels to be sure it doesn't cross over the line into vertical flight capability.
Question: Do all of the team members need to be student members of AIAA?
Answer: Since the DBF is part of the AIAA competitions sanctioned by the Student Activities Committee and the AIAA Foundation, all team members should be student members of the AIAA.
Question: What was the maximum number of people that can make-up a team.
Answer: There is no specific limit on team size. It is up to the team itself to determine a size sufficient to meet the required tasks and small enough to remain manageable. It is expected most teams would fall in the 5 to 10 member size range, but this is only an estimated guideline.

There is a maximum size of the flight crew (pilot and assistant) and ground crew (3) for this years competition. Please see the RULES section for more details on the limitations on the flight and ground crews.
Question: Is it necessary to list all team members on the entry.
Answer: Yes, we need to know all the team members to verify the under/upper classmen rule.
Question: What is meant by "Upper and Under Classmen"
Answer: Upper Classmen are (for purposes of the contest) seniors and/or graduate students. Lower Classmen are Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors.
Question: Is it allowed to have/declare more then 1 pilot in a team (in case one of them can not go to the contest, or simply have a back-up pilot)?
Answer: Yes, teams may register multiple pilots as long as each meets the requirements listed in the rules.
Question: Can we have corporate sponsors? If so, can we put their logo on the UAV at any place that pleases them?
Answer: Teams may solicit and accept sponsorship in the form of funds or materials and components from commercial organizations. All design, analysis and fabrication of the contest entry is the sole responsibility of the team members.

Sponsor and university decals or logos may be placed as desired. Teams should make sure that the final color scheme of the aircraft provides good visibility of the aircraft location and orientation for the pilot.
Question: What is COB in the submission dates mean?
Answer: COB - Close of Business: data must ARRIVE by 5 PM local time at the specified location.
Question: The contest day is graduation. Is there any possibility of moving the contest.
Answer: In selecting the contest date we have tried to minimize the conflicts with graduation, finals, mothers day,... We can't miss all possible conflicts as each university is on a slightly different schedule. Moving the date earlier would greatly increase the risk of unacceptable weather, and further shorten the time available to design and build the entries (which will seem VERY short by then).
Question: We were wondering if it wouldn't be easier to just send an official representative from the competition to our school, fly our plane, and take down the score. Then compare with all the other schools competing(they'd probably be on home turf as well), and make the final decision that way?
Answer: The single site -vs- fly-at-home issue was discussed much by the contest organizers prior to selecting the current contest structure for many of the same reasons you raised. We realize that it is difficult for students to obtain funds for fabricating an entry, even without the added costs of travel. In the end we selected the single-site format for mainly two reasons: (1) the single-site format will allow the teams to see each others entries and learn from each other and will add to the competitive fever always present when pitting your best efforts against others; and (2) the single site is the only way to assure a level playing field for all entries, as weather variations at multiple sites and days would inevitably help some entries and hinder others.
Question: At what wind speed will the contest be called.
Answer: It will be up to each team to determine whether they want to fly or not. The contest will be called (and the rain date used) if the wind speed exceeds 30 mph for a period of time sufficient to prevent all teams who are ready to fly from being assigned a flight time slot. The 30 mph limit is consistent with normal AMA competitions and is required to retain our contest insurance coverage.
Question: Will a hard runway be used?
Answer: We will select a site that provides a paved runway. Note that a "smooth" paved runway for manned aircraft may still seem "rough" for contest aircraft.
Question: Our team has completed our design calculations and we have found a manufacturer that carries wing components that will meet our design criteria. Can we purchase components (i.e. foam cores and skins) to construct the wing for our UAV, or are we required to build it from scratch?
Answer: You may use unassembled components such as wing cores providing they are integrated in a way that results in the final configuration being an original design.
Question: Does the plane have to be an external propeller plane, or can it be a duct fan UAV?
Answer: Ducted fans are also legal if they use a commercial fan assembly.
Question: In terms of propellers. Can they be any kind of Gas engine propeller if we wish? Or do they have to be Electric motor propellers? And if we can only use electric motor propellers, can we cut them? Basically, if we wish to, can we use any kind of non-electric motor propellers if they are commercially available?
Answer: Any commercial propeller for either gas or electric models may be used. Props may be cut to reduce their diameter but the blades may not be reduced in thickness (such as by sanding the airfoils to a new profile) or in chord (such as by trimming the trailing edges).
Question: What constitutes "over the counter" batteries, and does this apply to the battery pack or to the individual cells?
Answer: The "Over the Counter" refers to the individual cells. This is a change from the rule for the 1996/97 contest year.
Question: How is the radio fail-safe described in the safety supplement to be implemented.
Answer: This is a feature available in many production RC radio systems. It is required that your radio system be able to provide this function.
Question: Can we construct a composite can for an otherwise stock over the counter model motor?
Does the motor controller have to be an over-the-counter controller?
Answer: The motor and/or controller must be an unmodified commercial product. The intent of this rule is to prevent excessive cost, and to provide all teams access to equal propulsion technology so they can concentrate on the aircraft aerodynamics and structural aspects.
Question: Do the wires and connectors have to be commercially available?
Answer: Yes
Question: When you check the CG, what kind of a point will you use? For example will it be checked with fingers or dowels or something even sharper?
Answer: The CG check will be coincident with the structural verification test described in the Safety Requirements supplement to the basic rules. Specifically, two team members will be asked to pick the aircraft up by the wing tips using their hands (usually a clenched fist placed under the wing at the desired location works well). They will (gently) lift the aircraft at it's full contest weight by the wing tips at the marked axial CG location.
Question: Will the payload be supplied by the team or the contest administration?
Answer: By the team.
Question: If battery power fails can an immediate landing be made without making a complete lap (question paraphrased by editor)
Answer: First priority is safety of personnel, followed by minimizing damage to equipment. If power fails unexpectedly the pilot will setup for as safe an emergency landing as possible. If the plane does not pass the downwind pylon that sortie's payload will not count, but any prior sorties will still be credited toward the overall score.
Question: Will there be a maximum altitude, other than the visibility requirement?
Answer: There is no specific numerical altitude limit. It would be very difficult to enforce a rigorous altitude limit without altitude telemetry equipment on each aircraft which would be a significant expense burden. The contest flight judge will enforce maintaining a "safe" altitude for both personnel/ground and flight visibility reasons, and may order the pilot to descend if he feels the altitude is too high. In general, altitudes of 300 to 500 feet are probably nominal, and altitudes near 1000 feet are likely to have the judge order a decent.
Question: Is information available about previous year designs and results?
Answer: A summary of characteristics for all the entries that competed in the last years contest will be available on the contest web site. Remember that the objective of the prior years contest was slightly different, so you will have to adapt the design data accordingly. (Prior year rules will also be maintained on the web site for reference.)
Question: Would we ever have to make any vertical loops with the UAV?
Answer: No

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