Dragonfly (2024)
The Dragonfly was AMAT's entry to the 2023-2024 SAE Aero Design West Competition. It was designed to transport a cargo of metal payload plates around a circuit at the Apollo XI field in Van Nuys California. The plane performed three flights during the competition. During the first flight, the Dragonfly's propeller flew off as it had been improperly tightened. After some quick adjustments, AMAT was able to successfully fly the Dragonfly on its second flight for a glorious two minutes. Unfortunately, bad weather conditions including high wind and rain ultimately caused the plane to crash in the early afternoon. AMAT managed to place an incredible 12th out of 33 teams in the competition: their best performance in the post COVID era!
General Specifications:
Powerplant: Power 25 Brushless Out-runner Motor, 870Kv with 9.37lb static thrust
Cruising speed: 19.6 mph or 31.6 km/hr
Weight: approximately 10 lbs/4.64 kg
Wingspan: 3.048 m
Takeoff distance: 60 feet at 50% power
Cargo capacity: Maximum 20 lbs/9.07 kg of steel payload plates
Materials: Balsa, plywood, steel, PLA
Design Features:
• Wing: Rectangular high wing
• Double-element airfoil
• Fuselage: Box design
• Square Cross Section
• Landing Gear: Tricycle, Nose steering, Non-retractable
• Propeller: 2 bladed, 16-in, Puller/Tractor configuration
• Tail: Conventional with extended tail boom
Hammerhead/Catfish (2023)
Known by two different nicknames, Hammerhead and Catfish, this canard configured plane was the second AMAT aircraft built following the club's reactivation. It was built for the 2023 AIAA Design Build Fly competition. Although extremely powerful with its twin Power 25 out-runner motors, its instability and difficult landing characteristics proved to be its undoing. During testing in Arizona, the craft sustained damage to its nose landing gear servo during a routine landing. AMAT was forced to drop out of the 2023 DBF competition as there was insufficient time to repair the damage. Although the Hammerhead/Catfish was unable to participate in the DBF flight missions, its design and construction process provided valuable experience for many of our members.
General specifications
Powerplant: 2x Power 25 Outrunner motors, 870 kv with 18.74lb static thrust
Cruising speed: 42.5 mph or 68.4 km/hr
Weight: 15lbs
Wingspan: 1.828 m
Takeoff distance: 60 feet
Cargo Capacity: 5 lb max
Materials: Fiberglass, Carbon fiber tubing, plywood, balsa wood, foam
Design Features:
• Wing: Canard mid-wing
• Fuselage: Fiberglass reinforced oval shaped
• Landing Gear: Tricycle, Nose steering, Non-retractable
• Propeller: 2 bladed, 12-in, Puller/Tractor configuration
• Tail: Conventional with extended tail boom
BeeGee (2022)
BeeGee was AMAT's first aircraft built after the Covid era. It was named after the legendary Gee-Bee racer aircraft of the 1930s. It provided valuable experience in the field of aircraft design and construction to many AMAT members. At the 2022 SAE Aero Design West competition, AMAT placed 23rd out of 30 teams while also winning the most unique design award. One humorous moment occurred during the competition when one of BeeGee's tires fell off during takeoff and forced the flight to be aborted. Nevertheless, the BeeGee would pave the way for future AMAT aircraft.
General Specifications:
Powerplant: 1x 1000W motor with 10.85 lb static thrust
Top speed: 38.96 mph or 62.7 km/hr
Weight: 44 lbs
Wingspan: 3.048 m
Takeoff distance:
Cargo capacity: 10 - 20 lbs/4.64kg - 9.07 kg or 1 soccer ball
Materials: 1/4 in plywood side panels, foam paneling
Design Features:
• Wing: Canard-wing
• Airfoil shaped cross section
• Landing Gear: Tricycle, Nose steering, Non-retractable
• Propeller: 2 bladed, 16-in, Pusher configuration
• Tail: Tailless, winglets used for vertical stabilization