CSU 3D-Printed Fixed-Wing Aircraft Competition
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) will host the 3rd annual CSU 3D-Printed Fixed-Wing Aircraft Competition (C-3DPAC) on May 31, 2025, at the Jesse Owens Track and Field Complex on campus.
DATES & DEADLINES
| DATE | ACTION |
|---|---|
| August 1, 2024 | Pre-Registration Available Email [email protected] to join our mailing list for competition information and access to the sponsored design software. |
| January 1, 2025 | Registration Opens Team information and paperwork are collected. |
| March 30, 2025 | Registration Closes |
| April 30, 2025 | Design Competition Submission Deadline |
| May 31, 2025 | Flight Competition @ Jesse Owens Stadium and Jesse Owens Track and Field, Cal State LA. |
Design
In this competition, students design and fabricate airplanes using 3D printing technology. The planes need to be lightweight, and the designs need to maximize performance given manufacturing and material constraints- a great opportunity to leverage modern digital manufacturing technologies.
Manufacturing
The airplanes can be any size but will need to satisfy strict manufacturing conditions with all airframe components, including all aerodynamic surfaces and control surfaces, printed using a purely (not hybrid) 3D printing technology. (Propellers are to be commercial off-the-shelf technology.)
Student Challenge
- Develop a lightweight, 3D printable airframe
- Integrate design and manufacturing to maximize performance
- Design within the 3D printing process and material constraints
- Leverage direct digital manufacturing technologies
Prizes
This competition comprises two parts: a flight competition and a design competition. Each is judged and awarded independently a first and second prize.
Rules & Requirements
The competition steering committee (composed of faculty from across the CSU) works together to establish the rules and logistics for the competition. Please contact the organizer, Mike Thorburn, if you have questions at [email protected].
UAV Workshops
Workshop announcement: Competition Sponsors PTC (Onshape) and ComQuest Ventures (SIMNET) have put together a short video describing the workflow from designing a model aircraft to preparing the CAD for 3D printing.
Drone Design Software
The C-UASC and C-3DPAC competitions are happy to let everyone know that ComQuest Ventures LLC will provide SIMNET: Drone Design and Simulation Powered by the Cloud software to qualified teams registering for our competitions!
SIMNET is an advanced web-based platform for drone design, simulation, and pilot training. It delivers a unique set of multidisciplinary analysis tools encompassing aerodynamics, mass, and performance estimation, alongside flight simulation, to accelerate the systems-level design of multicopter, fixed-wing, and VTOL drones. Learn more at www.simnet.aero
To register your team for a sponsored license, please follow the steps below.
Checklist
Every institution participating must fill out an entry form. One entry form may include multiple teams from the same institution. If an additional team needs to register, the institution may fill out a second entry form but must include all the attachments. Each entry must include the following information. NOTE: CSU campuses do not need to submit general liability and drone insurance certificates, but they are required to complete the remainder of the competition application.
- Insurance Compliance
- TEAMS: Student info
- TEAMS: Advisor info
- TEAMS: Student pilot info
- Aircraft Description
- Pilot’s AMA Membership Number
- Pilot’s FAA Trust Course Certificate
- Aircraft (FAA) Registration Number
FAQ
Does the vehicle's overall design need to be an original design, or can an existing concept be used?
- An existing concept design may be used, but the detailed design should be your own
Can teams shave off or manipulate the 3D-printed part?
- 3D printed parts may be post-processed with finishing operations such as filing or sanding, but no non-3D printed materials may be added to the airframe during post-processing
In consideration of receiving permission to operate a small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in the airspace of California State University, Los Angeles, I hereby, knowingly and voluntarily, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, agree to indemnify, release, and hold harmless Cal State L.A. University Auxiliary Services, Inc. and California State University, Los Angeles, as well as their administrators, instructors, volunteers, agents, officers, successors and trustees and assigns, from any and all liability associated with the operation of this UAS, and the collection or use of images, video or audio obtained by the UAS during its flight, including but not limited to liability for claims, causes of action, or lawsuits, for bodily injury, personal or advertising injury, wrongful act, property damage, breach of contract, or consequential loss resulting in damages, judgments, settlements, or any monetary loss, including attorney’s fees.
Contact Nidavone Niravanh, Executive Director, Risk Management and Environmental, Health and Safety Office, via email at [email protected] with insurance or indemnification questions. Please click on the Cal State LA UAS application form link below. Complete all sections, then upload the document during registration.
COMPETITION DAY OVERVIEW
| TIME | ACTION |
|---|---|
| TBA | Registration Opens |
| TBA | Ready for Flight! |
| TBA | Awards & Recognition |
The schedule may be subject to change depending on activities and circumstances.
PARKING LOT
TBA
CAMPUS MAP
- (TBA) Download a PDF map identifying the event location and parking.
- Explore our campus virtually with our interactive campus map.
PARKING PERMIT
Visitors without a virtual parking permit can pay to park on the day of the event by purchasing a daily permit from a permit machine located in designated campus parking lots and parking structures. Please visit the Cal State LA Parking and Transportation website for information on campus parking regulations and permits.
MEDIA DISCLAIMER
When you attend a California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) event, you enter an area where photography, audio recording, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such media recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, and inclusion on websites. You further waive all rights you may have to any claims in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication.
Our Sponsor
We are grateful to our generous sponsors, Onshape and Simnet, for making this event possible.
We would like to acknowledge the support of our partners,
San Diego State University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona,
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California State University, Bakersfield, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, CETYS Universidad- Campus Tijuana, East Los Angeles College, California State University, Los Angeles, College of ECST, Emilio Flores-Photos, Jill Connelly, and Natalie Leonnig Photos
Contact Mike Thorburn, ECST Capstone Director, at [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities.
MEDIA DISCLAIMER
When you attend a California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) event, you enter an area where photography, audio recording, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such media recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, and inclusion on websites. You further waive all rights you may have to any claims in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication.
| CATEGORY | 1ST PLACE | 2ND PLACE |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Innovation Competition | San Diego State | East LA College |
| Flight Competition | Cal Poly Univ, San Luis Obispo | San Diego State University |
| Simulation | Cal Poly Univ, San Luis Obispo | |
| CATEGORY | 1ST PLACE | 2ND PLACE |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Innovation Competition | San Diego State, Hot-End Aeronautics | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, SLO Flyers |
| Flight Competition | San Diego State, Hot-End Aeronautics | Cal State LA, Aero Eagles United |
CONTACT
For questions or sponsorship inquiries, please contact
Mike Thorburn, Cal State LA, at [email protected]