In an unprecedented achievement for Portuguese aeronautical engineering, the Universidade da Beira Interior Aeronautics Team (UBIAT) has successfully qualified to participate in the prestigious AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) competition. This internationally recognised event, held annually in Tucson, Arizona, brings together top aeronautical engineering teams from around the world, including elite institutions such as Ivy League universities. The competition challenges students to design, build, and test their own remote-controlled aircraft, pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation and teamwork.
For the first time in the history of the competition, Portugal will be represented among the world’s best aeronautical institutions, marking a milestone achievement for both the university and the European aerospace community. UBIAT’s entry into DBF is a testament to the team’s excellence, determination, and technical expertise, attributes that have already been demonstrated through their outstanding performances in previous competitions.
A Legacy of Success: UBIAT’s Road to DBF
UBIAT has consistently proven itself as one of the most capable aeronautical engineering teams in Europe. Their remarkable third-place finish in the 2023 Air Cargo Challenge, held in Aachen, Germany, showcased their ability to design and optimize high-performance aircraft. Competing against some of the best university teams in Europe, UBIAT demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, aerodynamic efficiency, and structural innovation.
This strong foundation of success has set the stage for their ambitious participation in the 29th edition of the DBF competition, scheduled to take place from April 10 to 13, 2025. The challenge ahead will require an even greater level of ingenuity, as the team must develop an aircraft capable of adapting to a series of complex mission requirements.
The Challenge Ahead: DBF 2025 Missions
DBF is widely regarded as one of the most demanding university-level aeronautics competitions, requiring teams to not only design and manufacture a high-performance aircraft but also adapt to a variety of challenging flight scenarios. For the 2025 edition, the competition will consist of three distinct mission profiles:
- Payload Deployment: One of the key challenges involves deploying a remote-controlled glider mid-flight from the main aircraft. This task demands precise aerodynamic stability, accurate release mechanisms, and advanced control systems to ensure successful deployment and flight performance of both the main aircraft and the glider.
- External Payload Transportation: The aircraft must be capable of carrying external weights under its wings, testing the structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency of the design. This aspect of the competition challenges teams to optimize lift-to-drag ratios while maintaining stable flight dynamics.
- Speed and Endurance Trials: In addition to payload-related tasks, the aircraft must complete speed and endurance missions that evaluate its overall efficiency, power management, and reliability in sustained flight.
Successfully completing these missions requires an intricate balance of aerodynamics, material selection, propulsion optimization, and advanced manufacturing techniques. UBIAT’s ability to rise to these challenges will not only reflect the technical proficiency of its members but also highlight Portugal’s growing presence in the global aerospace industry.
The Role of AEROUBI & AS Covilhã in Supporting UBIAT’s Ambition
The city of Covilhã, home to Universidade da Beira Interior, has long been a hub for aeronautical engineering in Portugal. Recognizing the significance of UBIAT’s participation in DBF, AEROUBI & AS Covilhã is proud to stand behind the team, offering a sponsorship and encouragement as they prepare for this historic event.
Additionally, the support from AEROUBI & AS Covilhã reflects a shared vision of positioning UBIAT as a key player in the field of aeronautical teams. By championing initiatives such as UBIAT’s participation in DBF, AEROUBI & AS Covilhã and its academic community are fostering innovation, inspiring future engineers, and strengthening Portugal’s presence in the global aerospace landscape.
The Road to Arizona: What’s Next for UBIAT?
As the countdown to DBF 2025 begins, UBIAT is fully engaged in the research, design, and prototyping phases of their aircraft. The team is working tirelessly to refine their aerodynamic models, optimize propulsion systems, and conduct extensive flight testing to ensure their aircraft meets the rigorous competition requirements.
With a combination of engineering excellence, strategic planning, and unwavering determination, UBIAT aims to make a significant impact at DBF 2025. Their participation not only serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers in Portugal but also marks a new era of recognition for Portuguese aeronautical engineering on the global stage.
As UBIAT prepares for the challenge ahead, the entire university and nation watches with pride, eager to see Portugal’s first-ever representatives soar among the best in the world at the AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition.
AS Covilhã