The Design Build Fly Competition is a RC (radio-controller) aircraft competition hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); and sponsored by Textron Aviation and Raytheon. First established in 1997, the competition has challenged various university UAV teams to design, build, and fly an aircraft that can complete specific flight and ground missions, along with a comprehensive design report. 

The competition focuses on the structural and aerodynamics capabilities of the aircraft, by barring autopilot use. Moreover, to promote continued innovation and creativity, the competition rules vary annually, switching between humanitarian and military teams. Spanning 8 months, teams are required to submit a proposal, a design report, and manufacture a high quality, airworthy platform; placing emphasis on fast-paced engineering work and deadlines, emulating the nature of the professional aerospace industry. 

As time has passed, recent mission requirements have included increased propulsive efficiency, environmental sustainability and performance optimisation. Thus, students are posed to keep up with the changing technologies of the industry. Additionally, advanced material manufacturing has become more prevalent, with the need to increase performance while keeping costs down. 

“The DBF organizing committee has identified TIMPA Field in Tucson, AZ, as the site for the 29th DBF, due to take place in April 2025. Specific dates will be released with the official DBF rules in summer 2024.”