Micro Class - 2025

The UOAN-M25

The UOAN-M25, our 2025 SAE Aero Design Micro Class aircraft, is a lightweight, modular platform built for performance and rapid assembly.

Wingspan1.0m
Length1.2m
Mass (empty)1.3kg

Overview

Featuring a cropped delta wing and T-tail layout, the design is optimized for payload capacity, durability, and ease of manufacturing. The airframe consists of a carbon fiber skeleton housed in a CNC-machined EPS foam body, allowing key components to be transferred between bodies in minutes. The single-piece design of the airframe results in high strength and durability. The aircraft is powered by an E-flite Power 10 motor and supported by custom baffles for payload stability .

The aircraft displayed on a concrete floor The aircraft displayed on a concrete floor

Construction

The plane is made from a single sheet of low-density Dupont™ Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, with carbon fiber tubing for added rigidity, held together by 3d printed PLA brackets. The Density is further reduced by using a CNC mill to remove material in a way that maintains structural integrity, while also making space for electronics, control servos, and the water payload. The shape of the airfoil is also created in this process.

Constructing the aircraft in the JMTS workshop Constructing the aircraft in the JMTS workshop

Airfoil

We chose a cropped delta delta wing to maximize the possible wing surface area with the chosen dimensions, since larger wingspans are penalized in scoring in the SAE Aero Design Micro Class.

A CFD Simulation of the Aircraft A CFD Simulation of the Aircraft
A close-up of the foam airframe Repairing damage to the aircraft at the SAE Aero Competition event The aircraft getting ready to fly at the SAE Aero Competition The aircraft in line with the airfield in the background The aircraft ready to fly on the competition tarmac The aircraft waiting in line with a cowboy hat The aircraft waiting on some concrete with a good view of the electronics The aircraft waiting on some concrete The aircraft with the airfield in the background The plane resting in the grass at Stetson Flyers Walking the Aircraft at comp Working on the aircraft CAD file the uOttawa logo on the aircraft