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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION: .............................................................................................................................. 1
2. HISTORY: ......................................................................................................................................... 1
3. COMPETITION OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................... 1
3.1) Categories: ................................................................................................................................... 1
3.1.1) RC (Remote Controlled): ........................................................................................................ 2
3.1.2) Autonomous: ......................................................................................................................... 2
3.1.3) Airshow with Different UAV’s ........................................................................................................ 2
3.2) Missions ....................................................................................................................................... 2
3.3) Engineering Challenges: ................................................................................................................ 2
3.4) Judgement Criteria ....................................................................................................................... 3
Important Points ............................................................................................................................. 3
4. AWARDS: ............................................................................................................................................ 3
4.1) Innovative Design ......................................................................................................................... 3
4.2) Light Weight Design...................................................................................................................... 3
5. ELIGIBILITY AND TEAM STRUCTURE: .................................................................................................... 4
6. AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................................................................. 5
6.1) Design Requirements.................................................................................................................... 5
6.2) General Requirements .................................................................................................................. 5
6.3) Safety Requirements .................................................................................................................... 6
6.4) Physical inspection of aircraft to ensure structural integrity: ......................................................... 6
6.5) Structural Verification .................................................................................................................. 7
7. TECHNICAL REPORT ............................................................................................................................. 7
7.1) Conceptual Design Report: ........................................................................................................... 7
7.2) CAD & Simulations: ...................................................................................................................... 7
7.2.1) CAD (Computer-Aided Design): .................................................................................................. 7
7.2.2) CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) ......................................................................................... 8
7.2.3) FEA (Finite Element Analysis): .................................................................................................... 8

7.3) Secondary Design Report: ............................................................................................................. 8

7.4) Avionics Report: ........................................................................................................................... 8
8. MCQS-TEST ......................................................................................................................................... 9
9. PRESENTATION AND VIVA ................................................................................................................... 9
10. FLIGHT TEST ...................................................................................................................................... 9
11) MISSION SPECIFICATIONS: ............................................................................................................... 10
11.1) Assembling Challenge .............................................................................................................. 10
11.2) Aerobatics Challenge ................................................................................................................ 11
1st Round .......................................................................................................................................... 11
11.2.1) First circuit pattern ............................................................................................................ 11
11.2.1.1) Inside loop ...................................................................................................................... 11
11.2.1.2) Barrel rolls (2 clockwise & 2 anticlockwise) ...................................................................... 12
11.2.2) Second circuit pattern ........................................................................................................ 12
11.2.2.1) Knife Edge ........................................................................................................................12
11.2.2.2) Hammer Head ................................................................................................................ 13
11.2.3) Bonus Round (Optional) ..................................................................................................... 13
2nd Round ......................................................................................................................................... 14
11.2.4) Payload Drop Challenge ..................................................................................................... 14
11.2.4.1) Rolling Loop .................................................................................................................... 14
11.2.4.2) Inverted Fly pass: ............................................................................................................ 15
12. PAYLOAD: ................................................................................................................................ 15
12.3) Payload Mechanism ................................................................................................................. 16
13. AUTONOMOUS CATEGORY: ..............................................................................................................16
13.1) Simulation and Testing Protocol: (20 Points)......................................................................... 16
13.2) Automation Software and Mission Planning: (30 Points)....................................................... 16
➢ Mission Path Planning Requirements ....................................................................................16
13.3) Flight Controller: (10 Points)................................................................................................. 17
13.4) Sensor Integration: (20 Points) ............................................................................................. 17
13.5) Real-Time Data Display: (20 Points) ...................................................................................... 17
13.6) Safety Features Implementation: (20 points) ........................................................................ 17
13.7) Missions .............................................................................................................................. 17
14. Evaluation Sheets for Event Day.................................................................................................. 18
14.1) Propellair’25 Aerobatic Challenge Score Sheet ................................................................................ 18
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14.2) Propellair’25 Payload Challenge Score Sheet ............................................................................ 18

14.3) Propellair’25 Assembly Challenge Score Sheet ................................................................................. 19
14.4) Propellair’25 Inspection Round Sheet (30 points) ............................................................................ 19
14.5) Propellair’25 Autonomous Category Score Sheet ............................................................................. 20
PROPELLAIR'25-HIERARCHY ................................................................................................................... 21
IMechE’ NED Student Chapter Advisor ....................................................................................................... 21
Director ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Head Lead ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Leads ................................................................................................................................................ 21
Co-Leads ........................................................................................................................................... 21

TABLE OF FIGURES:
Figure 1: Example of Traditional RC plane ................................................................................................ 5
Figure 2: Inside Loop ............................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 3 Barrel Roll................................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 4 Knife Edge ............................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 5 Hammerhead ......................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6: Snap Roll ................................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 7: Inside loop with Payload.......................................................................................................... 14
Figure 8: Inverted Fly pass ..................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 9: Payload Location .................................................................................................................... 15
1. INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever dreamed of the exhilarating sensation of piloting aircraft without ever leaving the
ground? For those intrigued by remote aviation, the IMechE NED Student Chapter presents an
electrifying competition called Propellair, inviting participants from across the country to showcase
their skills in crafting and flying RC planes.
Propellair challenges teams to conceive, build, and pilot an RC aircraft for the ultimate showdown. This
event has enjoyed continued success over the years, attracting numerous teams eager to test their
mettle. The competition aims to actively involve undergraduate teams from universities, encouraging
them to engage in the complete process of designing, constructing an aircraft.
Through Propellair, participants are tasked with tackling the complexities of innovative airframe design
and systems engineering, mirroring the challenges encountered in real-world engineering projects.
They are required to adhere to industry-standard engineering practices, navigating through a rigorous
development lifecycle while meeting demanding mission specifications.

2. HISTORY:
What you are reading is the story of Propellair, how it became NED's biggest event hosted by IMechE
NED Student Chapter. There was a time when neither the universities nor IMechE had any events of
such sort. Observing the technical exhibitions of other engineering universities, participants from NED
decided to organize an event on their behalf. They consulted IMechE NED Student Chapter to provide
a platform for the implementation of their idea.
Thus, IMechE adopted this idea and began the procedure of executing the event. Our society has
achieved a lot in Propellair by learning from the experience of errs. Despite starting from the bottom.
What began with seven teams and only two successes in getting their planes to fly is now a big
competition with different groups coming in from technical universities all over Pakistan.
Propellair 2023 witnessed a remarkable achievement as all 19 planes soared into the sky, establishing
it as the most successful event in Propellair history. The display of innovation and skill from passionate
teams captivated spectators, showcasing the pinnacle of RC aircraft engineering excellence.

3. COMPETITION OVERVIEW:
3.1) Categories:
The competition is divided into 3 categories:
➢ RC (Remote Controlled).
➢ Autonomous
➢ Airshow with Different UAV’s (All participants will be awarded based on their airshow).

Note: Each category has its separate winner.

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3.1.1) RC (Remote Controlled):

In this category, All the missions will be performed via a radio-control mechanism including take-off
and landing with an option of dropping payload via a radio-controlled mechanism or autonomous
mechanism.
3.1.2) Autonomous:
In this category, the aircraft will be fully autonomous and will be powered by an electric motor. The
mission includes automatic take-off and landing, with an autonomous aerobatics & payload dropping
mechanism.
3.1.3) Airshow with Different UAV’s:
In this category, the participants showcasing an airshow featuring UAVs, drones, RC planes, and VTOL
aircraft where participants showcase aerial maneuvers and capabilities instead of mission profiles or
payload drops.
3.2) Missions:
Teams are required to prepare their radio control aircraft (see sec: 4) to complete the following
missions:
➢ Assembling Challenge (see sec 9.1).
➢ Aerobatic Challenge (see sec 9.2).
➢ Payload Drop Challenge (see sec 9.3).
To qualify for the winning position, one ought to complete all the respective missions.
3.3) Engineering Challenges:
The Challenge has been designed to give students exposure to several disciplines that they will need
in their engineering careers which are:
➢ Employ a systematic engineering approach to identify requirements, select appropriate design
concepts, and conduct thorough testing to ensure system functionality.
➢ Develop elegant and efficient design solutions backed by comprehensive analysis and modeling.
➢ Foster innovation in tackling engineering challenges.
➢ Prioritize airworthiness and safety considerations throughout all stages of development,
including concept creation and flight demonstrations.
➢ Demonstrate an understanding of real-world engineering principles, emphasizing the importance
of structural integrity, control alignment, component selection, and maintenance ease.
➢ Uphold construction quality standards, adhering to aerospace best practices for control linkages,
wiring security, airframe resilience, and undercarriage stability.
➢ Emphasize effective planning and teamwork, assigning roles and responsibilities within the team
and maintaining clear communication to ensure timely and successful project completion.
➢ Conduct multiple flight tests to identify and address structural, component, and aerodynamic
issues before the main mission.
➢ Select Avionics based on design requirements and mission specifications.

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3.4) Judgement Criteria:

Students are required to create, record, construct, and exhibit an aircraft that they believe can achieve
the highest score on designated mission profiles. The total team score comprises assessments of the
written report, oral presentation, question-and-answer session, multiple-choice test, and flight
performance. The team with the highest cumulative score will be announced as the victor. Evaluation
of the entire event will adhere to the following grading criteria:
ASSIGNED TASK ASSESSMENT
Report(See Sec 7.0) 300 points
Presentation, Question/Answer
and MCQS-Test(see section 8.0 70 points (RC&Autonomous)
and 9.0)
Inspection 25 points
Test flight 30 points
Non-Traditional design (Bonus) 30 points
Assembling Challenge 30 points
Aerobatic Challenge 100 points
100 maximum points (Including
Payload Drop Challenge
Maneuvers)

Important Points:
• Teams whose aircraft are determined by the judges to be store-bought components, pilot-
fabricated parts, or predominantly 3D-printed materials shall be subject to immediate
disqualification. The determination of component origin and construction method rests
solely with the judges and is final.
• Teams need to show pictures and videos of how they built their plane when they hand in their
final report to make sure everyone's being fair.

4. AWARDS:
4.1) Innovative Design:
• The Innovative Design award will be presented to the most innovative design capable of
completing all mandatory challenges.
• Criteria for judging this award include:
• Innovative layout of propulsion and flying surfaces.

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• Aerodynamics.
• Structures.
• Use of materials.
• Manufacturing methods.
4.2) Lightweight Design:
• The award is presented to the team with the lightest aircraft that retains excellent performance
and durability.
• Given to the team achieving optimal performance with minimal weight.
• Recognizes the balance between weight reduction and maintaining aircraft quality.
.
4.3) Best Report:
• Best Report award recognizes exceptional reports meeting stringent criteria.
• Requirements include standard formatting, including a well-crafted title page and cohesive
aesthetics.
• Reports must exhibit meticulous attention to font usage, color theming, and overall visual
appeal.
• Inclusion of a comprehensive bibliography and adherence to technical report standards is
imperative.
• Clear images of CAD designs, simulations, and fabrication processes are to be attached.
• Judges evaluate organization, clarity, and completeness alongside visual elements.
• Emphasis on effective communication of technical information and the presentation of
supporting visuals.

5. ELIGIBILITY AND TEAM STRUCTURE:

• Team members, except for a pre-approved pilot, must be full-time undergraduate students
from any national or international institute or university.
• Team would have minimum 3 and maximum 6 members, with the pilot excluded.

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• The registration fee per team is Rs. 7000/- only.

• Each institute is limited to a maximum of 5 participating teams.
Teams are permitted to receive sponsorship from commercial organizations in the form of funds,
materials, or components. However, team members bear sole responsibility for all design analysis and
fabrication until the entry into the competition.

6. AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS:
6.1) Design Requirements:
Teams must design the aircraft and provide justification for the selected parameters of their design.
However, the aircraft must adhere to the requirements listed below:
➢ The aircraft's design configuration can vary, including options such as tractor or pusher, single or
twin motor, or any other configuration.
➢ Teams will receive a 30-point bonus for designs that are not traditional.
➢ Traditional design entails a single motor tractor configuration with a rectangular top wing,
rectangular or square fuselage, and conventional tail configuration.
➢ The combined weight of the aircraft without payload should not surpass 2500 grams (battery included).
➢ Any weight exceeding this limit will result in a deduction of 10 points per 100 grams.
➢ Teams have the option to select a LiPo battery of either 3s or 4s, with a capacity of up to 5000
Mah.

Figure 1: Example of Traditional RC plane

6.2) General Requirements:

➢ The aircraft must not possess rotary wing or lighter-than-air capabilities.
➢ During flight, no structure or components should be released from the aircraft.

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➢ All aircraft must be propelled by electric motors, utilizing unmodified off-the-shelf models. Teams
have the option to employ multiple motors and/or propellers, which may operate through direct
drive, gear, or belt reduction mechanisms.
➢ External assistance for take-off is strictly prohibited.
➢ Electric motors may be of any commercial brush or brushless variety.
➢ Each aircraft must utilize commercially available propellers for safety. Teams are allowed to modify
propeller diameter by clipping the tip and paint the blades for balancing purposes, with no further
alterations permitted.
➢ Over-the-counter LiPo batteries must be used, ensuring overall electrical contact protection with
shrink-wrap or similar measures. Battery disconnects must utilize fully insulated connectors.
➢ Current draw for motors and batteries may be restricted using a fuse in the line from the positive
battery terminal to the motor controller. Teams are responsible for sizing the fuse appropriately to
safeguard the battery, motor, and controller against overcurrent.
➢ Fuses must be positioned to ensure no component of the propulsion system—motor, motor
controller, or battery—exceeds the specified current limit. Fuses should be placed as close to the
battery as possible.
➢ Only ATO or blade-style fuses are permissible.
➢ Ready-made kits are prohibited. Aircraft constructed from such kits will face disqualification.
➢ Elastic bands are not acceptable as self-locking mechanisms. Additionally, pins or other alignment
features must be self-aligning. So, positioning or aligning of features by the ground crew member
during deployment of surfaces or features to the flight condition is allowed. (use of elastic bands
will cost 10 points)
6.3) Safety Requirements:
Before any competition flight, all aircraft will be subject to a safety inspection conducted by a
designated Competition Safety Inspector. The decisions made by the safety inspector are conclusive.
The inspecting team will be appointed by the director, on the same day as the viva.
6.4) Physical inspection of aircraft to ensure structural integrity:
➢ Ensure all components are securely fastened to the aircraft. Confirm that all fasteners are properly
tightened and secured with either safety wire, Loctite (thread-locking fluid), or Nylon Locknuts.
Additionally, flight control clevises must be equipped with suitable safety devices to prevent
disengagement during flight.
➢ Confirm the structural integrity and secure attachment of the propeller.
➢ Conduct a visual inspection of all electrical wiring to ensure proper wire gauges and secure
connections.
➢ Perform a radio range check.
➢ Ensure all controls move in the correct manner.

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6.5) Structural Verification:

➢ Each aircraft will be raised using a single lift point positioned at each wingtip to assess wing
strength and determine the center of gravity (C.G). Teams are required to indicate the anticipated
C.G. locations on the aircraft fuselage. Arrangements will be accommodated during the
competition for aircraft whose C.G. falls outside the wingtip chord.
➢ In the event of any aircraft exhibiting unsafe maneuvers, whether intentional or unintentional, the
judges reserve the authority to nullify all flight scores and prohibit any further flying attempts.
Furthermore, should any actions by team members or the pilot be deemed unsafe, the team will face
disqualification. Additionally, all structural elements of the aircraft must maintain integrity and rigidity
when subjected to full throttle while on the ground.

7. TECHNICAL REPORT:
The following reports are mandatory for this event:
7.1) Conceptual Design Report: (Maximum 15 pages)
This document is generated in the early stages of a project, usually after completing the conceptual
design phase. Its primary aim is to detail the initial design concept, evaluate its viability, and establish
a foundation for subsequent development.
The contents of this report encompass:
➢ The introduction presents the project's objectives and provides background information.
➢ Conceptual details of each designed part are included, along with explanations for design choices.
➢ A comprehensive list of required tools, adhesives, and materials is provided, along with their
respective uses in the project, presented in a table format.
➢ Methodology and conceptual processes for creating the primary design are outlined.
➢ An overall design description is provided, complemented by flowcharts, sketches, block diagrams,
or pictures to visually convey design concepts.
➢ Analysis of alternative design options and configurations is conducted, along with a comparison
of different approaches, leading to justification for the chosen design concept.
➢ A rough estimate of the project's budget based on the conceptual design is calculated.
➢ Work distribution and project management details are outlined in a table & chart format (Gantt
Chart) preferably from MS Project.
7.2) CAD & Simulations: (Maximum 15 pages)
This report comprises CAD design, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) simulations.
7.2.1) CAD (Computer-Aided Design):
➢ Includes CAD models of individual parts.
➢ Contains CAD assembly model.
➢ Incorporates E-drawings of all components.

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➢ Provide an exploded view of complete assembly.

7.2.2) CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics):
Represent all the Boundary conditions and refine the meshes to get the following results:
➢ Conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis for the airfoil and wing.
➢ Determine the lift and drag coefficients through calculation.
➢ Assess the pressure distribution across the surfaces.
➢ Analyze the velocity contours within the flow field.
➢ Present concluding remarks or findings.
7.2.3) FEA (Finite Element Analysis):
Boundary conditions and mesh refinement are integral in structural analysis, where constraints are
applied and mesh elements are refined to ensure accurate representation of real-world behavior.
Teams using FEA needs to evaluate these results:
➢ Evaluate Von Mises stresses acting on the wing.
➢ Calculate the factor of safety.
➢ Analyze the total deformation of the structure.
➢ Provide a conclusion or summary (validating that your structure is safe).
7.3) Secondary Design Report: (Maximum 20 pages)
This comprehensive document outlines the intricate design of a product, system, or project. It serves
as a pivotal link between the initial concept and the final production or implementation phase, typically
following the completion of the conceptual design stage. This report typically encompasses:
➢ This section offers a summary of the project, highlighting its objectives and the significance of the
secondary design report.
➢ It delineates the precise requirements the design must fulfill, encompassing maneuvers,
performance metrics, lift capacity, payload capabilities, and flight duration.
➢ A timeline is provided, delineating pivotal milestones and deliverables across the design,
manufacturing, and testing phases, presented through a Gantt chart.
➢ The report entails a detailed fabrication process, featuring images capturing all team members
actively engaged in fabrication tasks.
7.4) Avionics Report: (Maximum 10 pages)
This report encompasses the calculation, selection, testing, and pricing of electronic components:
➢ Comprehensive breakdown of electrical components utilized.
➢ Evaluation of servo performance through testing procedures.
➢ Verification of electrical component functionality through rigorous testing.
➢ Analysis of market prices for all components utilized.
➢ Documentation of the weight specifications for each component.

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Reports Marks
Conceptual Design Report 80 points
CAD & Simulations 60 points
Secondary Design Report 120 points
Avionics 40 points

Note:
➢ Submission of each report as a soft copy is mandatory, with specific dates to be confirmed soon.
➢ The final report, comprising all four individual reports, must be submitted by the specified
deadline.
➢ Teams are advised to submit both a monochrome and a black-and-white version of the final report
on the specified submission date.

8. MCQS-TEST:
Prior to the event day, a test will be administered to evaluate participants' comprehension. The test
will consist of 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Two members from each team will take the test
individually, and the average score will be taken into account.
• The test will cover topics including Cad-Designing, Avionics, Basic aerodynamics, and the
fabrication.
• For the autonomous teams there would be 5 MCQS questions more, relating to the automation.

9. PRESENTATION AND VIVA:

➢ Each team must prepare a presentation (of at least 10 meaningful slides) lasting a maximum of 10
to 15 minutes, involving at least three members delivering the presentation while others are
physically present. The objective is to elucidate the team's time management, journey, innovation,
and adopted methodologies. (A schedule will be provided to registered teams shortly).
➢ All teams must be ready for the debriefing session.
➢ During the debriefing session, judges will assess students' understanding of aerodynamics and
their constructed aircraft.
➢ Teams that miss the debriefing session will lose marks for this activity. The debriefing session holds
significant importance as it offers both practical and theoretical evaluations of the aircraft design
for flight.

10. FLIGHT TEST:

Teams are required to conduct test flights of their fixed-wings to demonstrate their capabilities and
adherence to performance criteria. The test flight video should be no longer than 2 minutes and must
include specific maneuvers like outside loop and aileron roll. Additionally, teams should ensure that
the test flight is conducted in a safe environment, adhering to all relevant regulations. The video should
provide clear footage of their aircraft performing the required maneuvers, along with accompanying
telemetry data for autonomous-category only, to facilitate evaluation by the judging panel.

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MCQ Test 20 points (RC&Autonomous)

Presentation 20 points
Viva 30 points
Flight Test 30 points
Total (RC/Autonomous) 100 points

11) MISSION SPECIFICATIONS:

There are two mandatory missions in total, with a maximum of one attempt allowed for each mission.
However, this may be subject to change on the competition day depending on factors such as the
number of entries, weather conditions, and field conditions. The decision to take a second attempt is
left to the discretion of the team. If a team chooses to make a second attempt, the score from the
second attempt will be counted regardless of whether it is better or worse than the previous attempt.
Both missions have a general requirement that the aircraft must take off within the designated runway
limit. Any exceedance of this limit will result in a penalty of points as follows: If the aircraft lands safely,
then the missions will be taken into consideration.

Take off distance (x) Points deduction

x < 40 ft. 0
40ft. < x < 50 ft. 5
50ft. < x < 60 ft. 10
x > 60 ft. 15

11.1) Assembling Challenge:

For this challenge, all teams must transport their planes packed in a compacted box (Not too big). The
following components should be detached:
➢ Wing(s).
➢ Landing Gear.
➢ Motor(s).
➢ ESC.
➢ Battery.
➢ Receiver.
➢ Prop.
Note: Points will be deducted for any fixed components on the fuselage.
• 2 bonus points for each extra detached components.
• Next, all teams will be tasked with assembling their planes before the scheduled flight time. The
time taken for assembly will be recorded, and points will be awarded based on the efficiency of
their assembly just before their initial flight. Participating teams must complete this challenge
within the designated time frame; no additional time will be provided. Furthermore, exceeding
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the allotted time will lead to point deductions. Flights will commence after teams successfully
complete the Assembling Challenge.
• Maximum 30 point for this challenge.
11.2) Aerobatics Challenge:
In this challenge, teams participating must execute the following aerobatic maneuvers using radio-
controlled mechanisms for RC-Category and Ground Station for Autonomous-Category.
1st Round:
11.2.1) First circuit pattern:
➢ These aerobatic maneuvers must be performed in the order as mentioned below.
➢ The maximum flight time for this circuit pattern will be 3 minutes after which a penalty would be
applied.
➢ There will only be one attempt for the circuit pattern. However, if any participant still wants to
retake the attempt, the marks of previous attempt will not be considered.
➢ No team is allowed to have more than two attempts of the circuit pattern.
➢ Maximum score: 50 points.
11.2.1.1) Inside loop:
➢ The pilot pulls the plane up into the vertical, like making a 360-degree turn, except it is in the
vertical plane instead of the horizontal.
➢ The pilot continues around until they are heading back in the same direction. The pilot will be
inverted (upside down) at the top of the loop.
➢ The pilot relaxes back-pressure on the stick to lower the wing’s angle of attack, lets the airplane
accelerate, and then pulls again to complete the loop.
➢ Completion of this mission has 25 points.

Figure 2: Inside Loop

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11.2.1.2) Barrel rolls.

➢ Participants have to perform 1 left and 1 right barrel rolls simultaneously (without delay).

➢ Completion of this mission has 25 points.

Figure 3 Barrel Roll

11.2.2) Second circuit pattern:

➢ These aerobatic maneuvers must be performed in the order as mentioned below.
➢ The maximum flight time for this circuit pattern will be 3 minutes after which a penalty would be
applied.
➢ There will only be one attempt for the circuit pattern. However, if any participant will want to
retake the attempt, the marks of previous attempt will not be considered.
➢ No team is allowed to have more than two attempts of the circuit pattern.
➢ Maximum score: 50 points.

11.2.2.1) Knife Edge

➢ Knife edge is a flight technique where the aircraft flies sideways with one end pointing at the
ground.
➢ Completion of this mission has 25 points.

Figure 4 Knife Edge

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11.2.2.2) Hammerhead
➢ The pilot pulls the plane into a vertical climb, maintaining full throttle to gain altitude

➢ As the plane slows near the stall point, the pilot uses rudder input to pivot the nose 180 degrees
to one side while keeping the wings level.
➢ The pilot reduces throttle, aligns the plane downward, and lets it accelerate straight down before
leveling out.
➢ Completion of this mission has 25 points.

Figure 5 Hammerhead

11.2.3) Bonus Round (Optional)

➢ Extra 15 points will be given to the team performing Snap roll mission. However this mission is
optional.

Figure 6: Snap Roll

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2nd Round:
11.2.4) Payload Drop Challenge:
➢ After second circuit pattern, the flight will be performed with the internal payloads.
➢ In this flight, the aircraft will take off and first fly two different laps with a rolling loop and an
inverted pass. One lap means that the aircraft must complete a 360-degree turn.
a) Lap 1 =360 left (With Inside Loop).
b) Lap 2 =360 right (With Inverted Fly pass).
11.2.4.1) Inside Loop:
➢ Initiation (0° - 90°):Start with the RC plane flying level at a steady speed. Gradually pull back on
the elevator while applying increased throttle to compensate for the payload’s extra weight.
Maintain smooth control input to avoid abrupt pitch changes.
➢ Execution (90° - 270°):As the plane reaches the top (180° inverted position), ease off the elevator
slightly to prevent stalling. Reduce throttle slightly at the peak if needed, but ensure enough speed
to carry through. The payload’s momentum will assist in completing the loop
➢ Completion (270° - 360°): Gradually pull back on the elevator while adjusting throttle to ensure a
smooth return to level flight without a sudden drop
➢ Completion of this mission has 25 points.

Figure 7: Inside loop

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11.2.4.2) Inverted Fly pass:

➢ The RC plane is required to perform an inverted flight maneuver while carrying an internal
payload.
➢ Before releasing the internal payload to the main payload location, the RC plane must execute the
inverted flight maneuver.
After successfully completing the inverted flight maneuver, the internal payload can be released
at the designated main payload location.
➢ Completion of this mission has 25 points.
NOTE: You have to perform inverted Fly pass for approximately 50 meters

Figure 8: Inverted Fly pass

12. PAYLOAD:
12.1) Payload Drop location:
➢ All the aircraft must be capable of carrying a payload of 200 ± 10 grams which must be carried
internally and be deployable from the plane from a minimum height of 30 feet above ground level.
➢ The marking of this challenge will be based upon the accuracy of payload dropping as shown in
the figure.

Figure 9: Payload Location

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➢ Maximum 50 points will be awarded when payload drops in 1 meter circle.

➢ Maximum score: 100 points
12.2) Payload description:
➢ Teams are required to prepare a payload by themselves containing an aid package which weighs
200 ± 10 grams.
➢ Teams having unique shape of payload have bonus 10 points.
Note: Sphere, Cubical, and simple designs are not unique shapes.
12.3) Payload Mechanism:
➢ The internal payload drop mechanism must be servo operated.
➢ The working of internal payload mechanism must be secured, else the team will not allow to
perform the mission.
➢ External payload designs are not allowed.

13. AUTONOMOUS CATEGORY:

13.1) Simulation and Testing Protocol: (20 Points)
Teams must conduct simulations using either JMavSim, AirSim, or Gazebo simulators, alongside any
ground station like QGround Control or Mission Planner. The Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) feature must
be used to simulate autopilot software behavior for accuracy. This ensures safe and efficient testing of
automation algorithms before real flights.
• Teams can also use Ardupilot software to simulate the missions.
13.2) Automation Software and Mission Planning: (30 Points)
Teams are allowed to use open-source autopilot software such as ArduPilot and PX4, along with
mission planning software like Mission Planner and QGround Control. Additionally, teams may utilize
programming languages like Python or C++ for custom scripting.
➢ Mission Path Planning Requirements:
Teams must demonstrate and thoroughly document all steps involved in mission path planning using
the chosen software and scripting languages. This documentation should include:
➢ Software Configuration:
Explain how the autopilot and mission planning software are configured for the specific RC plane.
➢ Mission Definition:
Clearly define the mission objectives, waypoints, and any specific tasks to be performed during the
flight.
➢ Programming Implementation:
If custom scripts are used, provide the code and explain its functionality in enhancing mission planning
or execution.

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13.3) Flight Controller: (10 Points)

Flight controllers are essential components of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. They serve as the
brains of the aircraft, responsible for stabilizing the aircraft, processing sensor data, and executing
flight commands. You have the option to use Pixhawk (any configuration), Beta flight F4, or other
compatible flight controller boards such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Beagle Bone, or Nvidia Jetson.
➢ Teams need to specify all the features of particular flight controller.
13.4) Sensor Integration: (20 Points)
Teams are required to explain each sensor used in their RC plane automation system and provide
details on how they are connected to the flight controller. This includes specifying the type of each
sensor, its purpose in the automation system.
➢ For locating purposes, a GPS module should be connected to the flight controller. Both laps and
payload
➢ Drop have to be performed using a GPS module. The GPS would track the coordinates and
altitude and the plane will fly on those readings.
13.5) Real-Time Data Display: (20 Points)
Teams must demonstrate the integration of telemetry radios into their automation systems and
showcase the real-time data displayed on the ground station on the flight day. It includes:
➢ Telemetry Radio Setup: Explain the configuration and installation of telemetry radios.
➢ Data Transmission: Describe the type of data transmitted by the telemetry radios and how it
is received and processed by the ground station software.
➢ Ground Station Display: Showcase the real-time data displayed on the ground station
interface, including flight parameters, sensor readings, and any custom telemetry data. (Both
in test flight and Flight Day)
13.6) Safety Features Implementation: (20 points)
Teams building aerial drones should prioritize the incorporation of critical safety measures to ensure
the aircraft's safe operation. These features include Return-to-Home (RTH) functionality for automated
safe returns in emergencies, geo-fencing to keep drones out of restricted areas, obstacle detection and
avoidance systems, flight mode selection for operator control, and real-time monitoring systems for
proactive risk management.
➢ Use of buzzer and safety switch is mandatory.
➢ Teams must include the steps of calibration for the safety features in their reports.
13.7) Missions:
➢ The missions (both the aerobatics and payload dropping) for Autonomous Category are same
as RC-Category. (Refer section 11.2) However if the team wants to perform any mission
manually then the team would be awarded half the maximum marks upon the completion of
that mission.
➢ For re-attempt of any mission the previous marks won’t be considered.

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14. Evaluation Sheets for Event Day

These evaluation sheets will be used by the judges on the flight day.
14.1) Propellair’25 Aerobatic Challenge Score Sheet

Aerobatic Challenge
Team Inside
Barrel Knife Hammerhead Snap roll
Name loop
roll Edge (15 points
(25
(25 points) (25 points) (25 points) Bonus)
points)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

14.2) Propellair’25 Payload Challenge Score Sheet

Payload Drop Challenge(100 points) Total

Team
Name Inverted Flypass Loop Payload Drop 100
(25 points) (25 points) (50 points max) points
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

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14.3) Propellair’25 Assembly Challenge Score Sheet

No. of
Team Components Dimensions Total
components
Name Assembled of the box (30 points)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

14.4) Propellair’25 Inspection Round Sheet (30 points)

Team Name Comments Marks

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

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14.5) Propellair’25 Autonomous Category Score Sheet

Autonomous category evaluation

Automation
Team Simulation Real-Time Safety Features
Software Flight Sensor
Nam and Testing Integration
Data Implementatio
and Mission Controller
e Protocol Planning Display n
(20 points) (30 points) (10 points) (20 points) (20 points) (20 points)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

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PROPELLAIR'25 HIERARCHY
IMechE’ NED Student Chapter Advisor:
• Dr. Tariq Jamil
• Assistant Professor
• E-mail: [email protected]

Director
• Name: Hermann Effendi
• Contact: 03062354654

Head Lead
• Name: Muhammad Zulqarnain Alam
• Contact: 03170249882

Lead
• Name: Abdullah
• Contact: 03302544624

Co-Leads
Name: Muhammad Ali Gulfad Name: Summiya Hassan
Contact: 03327814277 Contact: 03110255178

Questions/Comments:
Questions regarding the Competition, schedules, or rules interpretation may be sent to us by email
mentioning team name and personal name.
NOTE: Organizing committee have full authority to take any immediate action against any team for any
misbehave or un-ethical activity.
For any questions, contact the leads.

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