ANTEATAIR

Zot! Zot! Zot!

Plane's Journey!

AntEATair is our latest and most advanced RC aircraft, developed for the 2025 AIAA Design, Build, Fly (DBF) competition in Tucson, AZ. Engineered for performance, modularity, and speed, it features a single motor, dual battery system, tricycle landing gear, and fully removable pylons and wings. AntEATair can carry over 8 pounds of payload including external fuel tanks and a glider launch vehicle, adapting seamlessly to all mission requirements.

You can learn more about the story of our X-1 glider here.

Our mission: To explore aerospace design through high-stakes international competition, while pushing innovation and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Demo!

belly section of the planeplane fully assembled in hotel (side)plane top viewplane line up waiting to take off

One Plane, Four Missions

Mission 1: Delivery Flight

  • 3 timed laps with no payload
  • Battery installed on-site in staging area
  • Must complete flight + successful landing
  • Score: 1.0 if completed

Mission 2: Captive Carry Flight

  • Carry X-1 test vehicle + at least two fuel tanks
  • Score = fuel weight ÷ time to complete 3 laps
  • Landing required for valid attempt

Mission 3: Launch Flight

  • Launch X-1 glider mid-flight after any lap
  • Release at 200–400 ft AGL (judged)
  • Bonus points: landing X-1 in bonus box
  • Scoring favors more laps + heavier X-1 + bonus

Ground Mission

  • Timed install of pylons, tanks, and glider
  • Final check: control surfaces & ground launch demo
  • X-1 must light up after ground launch
  • Fastest complete setup = top score

SUPPORT OUR FLIGHT!

Monetary Donations

Building a high-performance RC aircraft from the ground up takes more than just passion — it takes resources. Your donations help us fund state-of-the-art components, advanced materials, and travel to national competitions like AIAA’s Design, Build, Fly in Tucson, AZ.

Your support fuels our mission to learn, innovate, and push the boundaries of undergraduate aerospace design.

Donate through our crowdfunding platform: ZOTFUNDER LINK

Material & Equipment Support

Designing a modular aircraft that can carry external fuel tanks, launch a glider, and land reliably under strict competition rules takes serious prototyping. Donations of materials, electronics, manufacturing services, and tools directly contribute to safer, lighter, and more competitive aircraft.

From carbon fiber to servos and 3D printing filament — every bit helps bring AntEATair to life.

DBF group photoplane getting work

Mentorship & Industry Advice

We thrive on expert feedback. Whether it’s aerodynamic optimization, mission strategy, or manufacturability — mentorship from engineers and pilots helps elevate our designs. Opportunities to speak at design reviews, walk through our CAD, or advise on flight safety are invaluable to our team.

Interested in helping shape the next generation of aerospace engineers? Reach out through our contact page or follow us on social media!