AeroCup Logo

Design, Build and Compete

AeroCup is an aeronautical competition for students, giving you the opportunity to design, build, and test an RC aircraft through various static and flight tests

Competition Timeline

Two days of exciting aeronautical challenges and networking

Day 1

Saturday, 19/07/2025

🎉
08h00 to 09h00
Arrivals and check-in
🎉
09h30 to 10h30
Auditorium
Welcoming ceremony
💬
10h30 to 11h30
Auditorium
"How not to kill a team" by João Paulo Monteiro
🍽️
11h30 to 13h00
Cafeteria
Lunch Break
📋
13h30 to 17h10
Static Events
🔍
13h20 to 18h30
Technical Inspections
💬
17h30 to 19h00
Auditorium
Feedback session with judges
🍽️
19h00 to 21h00
Cafeteria
Dinner

Day 2

Sunday, 20/07/2025

✈️
08h00 to 09h00
Arrival to base
🛫
09h30 to 12h30
Runway
Dynamic Events - Take off
🍽️
12h30 to 14h00
Cafeteria
Lunch Break
⏱️
14h00 to 17h00
Runway
Dynamic Events - Endurance
🎪
17h00 to 18h00
Runway
Exhibition flights
🏆
18h30 to 19h30
Auditorium
Awarding and Closing ceremony
🎉
19h30 to 21h00
Cafeteria
AeroCup social event and dinner

Event Maps

Detailed maps of the competition venue

Competition Area Map
Competition Area Layout
Venue Facilities Map
Venue Facilities Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about AeroCup

What is AeroCup?

AeroCup is an aeronautical competition designed specifically for university students, allowing them to put theoretical concepts into practice while also fostering networking opportunities with companies and other students.

What are the main objectives of AeroCup?

The main objectives of AeroCup are to enable the practical application of theoretical knowledge, encourage innovation in aeronautical design, promote networking between students, companies, and alumni, and help participants enhance their technical skills through real-world challenges.

What are the categories in the competition?

The competition has three categories: Design Class (DC): focuses solely on the complete design of an aircraft without a prototype; Manual Class (MC): includes both design and piloted flight demonstrations; Automatic Class (AC): requires design and autonomous flight performance.

Are there any restrictions on team composition?

There are no limits on the number of team members, but all participants must be university students. Each team must have a designated team leader, and students who have graduated within the past seven months are still eligible to participate.

What kind of documentation is required?

Each team is required to submit an Engineering Design Report detailing their aircraft's design choices, cost analysis, and, if applicable, the construction process of their model. Additional required documents include a technical specifications list and flight operation forms.

Where will the competition take place?

The specific location of the event will be announced soon, and the organisers will provide meals and accommodation for the two-day duration of the competition.

What does the evaluation process involve?

The evaluation process consists of two parts: Static assessment: evaluates the design, innovation, and cost-effectiveness of the aircraft; Dynamic assessment: tests flight performance, compliance with regulations, and mission execution.

What activities are planned during the competition weekend?

The competition weekend will include an opening ceremony, talks by teams, sponsors, and alumni, static assessments to evaluate designs, flight demonstrations, aircraft inspections, and a closing ceremony.

Who organises AeroCup?

AeroCup is organised annually by a team of eight former students and participants of similar competitions, all of whom are passionate about aeronautics.

Can a team participate in multiple categories?

Yes, a team may compete in both the Manual Class (MC) and Automatic Class (AC), but teams in the Design Class (DC) cannot participate in the flying categories.

What are the safety requirements for aircraft operation?

All aircraft must pass a technical inspection to ensure compliance with structural, electrical, and avionics safety requirements. Teams must also follow work safety protocols and be prepared for flight termination procedures if needed.

Are there any weight or size limitations for aircraft?

Yes, aircraft must have a maximum wingspan and length of 4 metres and must fit inside a transportation box with dimensions of 1500 mm x 400 mm x 250 mm. The Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) is limited to 25 kg.

What radio and communication systems are allowed?

All radio systems must operate on the 2.4GHz frequency band with a minimum range of 1000 metres. Fail-safe features, including automatic flight termination or Return to Landing (RTL), must be implemented.

Are there penalties for rule violations?

Yes, violations such as unsportsmanlike conduct, missing documentation deadlines, or unsafe flight behaviour can result in penalties, disqualification, or removal from the competition.

What are the weather limitations for flight events?

Flights will be suspended if wind speeds exceed 8 m/s, gusts exceed 12 m/s, precipitation occurs, or temperatures fall outside the range of 0°C to 40°C.