X1 Glider
UCI's first autonomous glider!
Plane's Journey!
X1 is our first and most advanced "autonomous" motor-less glider, developed for the 2025 AIAA Design, Build, Fly (DBF) competition in Tucson, AZ. Engineered for simplicity, mobility, and accuracy, it features two carbon-fiber mount rod, control surfaces, safety indication light, and one battery. X1 can be deployed by AntEATair using RC-controller and accurate glide towards a fixed target box on the ground. The glider can be easily attached and detached for the maximum capability and scoring in ground mission.
You can learn more about the story of our AntEATair here.
Our mission: To explore aerospace design through high-stakes international competition, while pushing innovation and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Demo!
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 200ΓÇô400 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 ΓÇö it takes resources. Your donations help us fund state-of-the-art components, advanced materials, and travel to national competitions like AIAAΓÇÖs 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 ΓÇö every bit helps bring AntEATair to life.
Mentorship & Industry Advice
We thrive on expert feedback. Whether itΓÇÖs aerodynamic optimization, mission strategy, or manufacturability ΓÇö 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!