DBF Team

The Design/Build/Fly team from joanneum Aeronautics develops a fully self-constructed aircraft each year for the international AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition in the USA. We go through the entire development process of an aerospace system – from the initial concept phase through aerodynamic design and structural analysis to manufacturing, integration, and flight testing.

The competition presents annually changing mission requirements that demand an innovative and efficient overall solution. Not only are flight performances evaluated, but also the technical design concept, the constructive implementation, and the system's performance under real operational conditions. Each season starts from scratch – new requirements mean new concepts, new optimization strategies, and new technical challenges.

Our development process is oriented towards industrial standards. The aerodynamic design is based on numerical methods and simulations, structural components are analyzed and weight-optimized before they are manufactured in our workshop. Lightweight construction, electric drive systems, and precise flight testing are at the forefront. Every design decision is technically justified and systematically validated.

The team consists of students from various technical fields of study. Clear areas of responsibility in aerodynamics, structures, propulsion systems, manufacturing, flight operations, and organization create a professional project structure that enables both technical excellence and efficient collaboration.

Since its founding, the DBF team has developed numerous aircraft prototypes and successfully participated in international competitions. In addition to competition results, practical training is the main focus: the project connects theory and application in a real way and specifically prepares our members for demanding tasks in the aviation industry.