UMass Aeronautics 2025-2026
The UMass Aeronautics Team is an undergraduate student competition team competing in the 2026 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Design, Build, Fly (DBF) International Competition. We're a team composed of 31 underclassmen who are dedicated to combining topics learned in class and applying them to fix real-world problems in the aviation, UAV, and VTOL industries. This project introduces aeronautics in a hands-on environment to UMass Amherst's MIE department and provides a way for students to step into fast-growing industries.
Each year, the competition requires teams to design, manufacture, and fly an optimized aircraft capable of performing commercial, welfare, and military missions.
Last year, the team placed 1st in New England and 26th Internationally, out of 110 teams!
The team is well underway in the development of this year's aircraft, which will execute a banner tow flight and charter service. This includes midair deployment of the longest banner possible and carrying the heaviest payload.
We need your help to purchase the required materials and tooling to build the aircraft, as well as sending the team west to Wichita, Kansas, in April to compete in the Fly-Off!
Please see our list of items on this page to help purchase the required materials to build this aircraft! We truly appreciate all the help!
We are dedicated to successfully competing in this competition and exposing other students and industry representatives to the UMass Riccio College of Engineering, and we are extremely grateful for any donations that will help us with our goal.
Please check us out on our social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Website
$25
Purchase the Aircraft Wiring
Your donation will allow the team to purchase the wiring hardware necessary to properly control the aircraft!
$50
Purchase the Landing Gear
Your donation allows the team to purchase materials to construct a carbon fiber landing main gear and aluminum tailwheel assembly!
$100
Purchase the Wing Materials
Your donation allows us to purchase the balsa wood ribs and stringers that will make up the shape of the wing, while keeping it extremely lightweight!
$200
Purchase the Transmitter
Your donation allows us to purchase the transmitter, allowing our pilot to remotely control the aircraft and deploy the payload!
$309
Purchase the Aircraft’s Motor
This donation allows us to purchase the DC brushless motor for our aircraft, giving us the thrust necessary to carry heavy payloads and fly at high speeds!
$348
Purchase the Battery
Your donation allows the team to purchase the propulsion battery for the aircraft, giving it the power and energy capacity necessary to complete the required mission!
$1,000
Send a student to Kansas!
Your donation will allow the team to send a student member to Wichita, Kansas, for competition! As an Executive Level Donor, you'll enjoy the opportunity to feature your logo or name on the competition aircraft and an optional social media shoutout!
