December 11, 2025
Selection for the 30th AIAA Design/Build/Fly is proof of the students’ engineering skill and passion for aeronautics.
The Mizzou AeroTigers have been selected for the 30th American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design/Build/Fly Competition April 16-19 in Wichita, Kansas. Their preliminary design was ranked 68th out of 175 proposals.
Design/Build/Fly is a valuable opportunity for university students to apply real-world aircraft design experience and validate their analytic studies. Each year, student teams from around the world design, fabricate and demonstrate the flight capabilities of an unmanned, electric powered, radio-controlled aircraft.
AeroTigers President Aidan Chastain said the team was excited for the opportunity to compete.
“We’ve noticed a significant increase in the strength of the field over the four years of our club’s existence, and we’re proud to say that we’ve made the cut every year,” he said. “This accomplishment illustrates the deep passion that Mizzou Engineering students have for aeronautics, and the success we can find when we put our minds towards an ultimate task.”
“This selection is proof of the high level of skill and knowledge the AeroTigers possess,” AeroTigers advisor Professor Craig Kluever said. “I know how hard these students work, and while I’m proud of their achievement, I can’t say I’m surprised.”
Started in 1996 by the AIAA Applied Aerodynamics, Aircraft Design, Design Engineering and Flight Test Technical Committees, the competition gives university students an opportunity to apply real-world aircraft design experience and validate their analytic studies.
Discover more successes of Mizzou Engineering student competition teams.