General Aviation Design Competition 2012 - 2013
The RAeS General Aviation Group aims to encourage innovation in light aviation. The 2012-13 design competition – run in association with the British Microlight Aircraft Association – offers awards for the design of a low cost, factory built, single seat, Microlight aeroplane, taking advantage of the deregulated, SSDR category.
The SSDR category provides a unique opportunity to manufacture low production run aeroplanes with maximum flexibility and at minimum cost. The cost of two seat Microlights has – for a variety of reasons – far outstripped inflation over the past two decades, so that sole ownership is unfortunately becoming unaffordable for the average person. There is, therefore, a gap in the market in which a SSDR Microlight could flourish.
The Competition
The competition is to design a low cost, 3-axis control, SSDR Microlight aeroplane. Unit production cost must be low enough to permit the aeroplane to be priced to significantly undercut an ‘equivalent’, 2 seat, regulated Microlight. Tooling costs may be shared over a production run of not more than 50 airframes.
Sponsored by:
This year’s competition is for a conceptual design; so although no limit is placed on the scope or technical depth of a submission, credit will not be given for unnecessary detail. Judging criteria will include feasibility as well as originality; a successful submission will describe how the design can be manufactured to cost, in addition to clever design.
Each submission must include, as a minimum:
o A 3-view drawing;
o A technical design report;
o A production report.
The main judging criteria will be:
o Market positioning relative to ‘equivalent’, 2 seat, regulated Microlights;
o Practicality of series production to the proposed cost;
o Originality of technical features, either structural or aerodynamic.
The competition is open to any member or group of members of the RAeS, BMAA, LAA or BGA. Entries are also welcome from individuals or teams from any educational institution or RAeS corporate member. First prize is £2000 and second prize £1000. Entries must be received not later than Friday 30 August 2013.
Entry is free of charge.
Entries should be submitted electronically to the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the British Microlight Aircraft Association
(Email: cto@bmaa.org)
Prospective entrants are encouraged to register their interest with the BMAA CTO. Any questions regarding interpretation of the competition rules should also be
sent to the BMAA CTO; answers will be forwarded to all registered prospective entrants.
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