Penn AiR has competed in various aerial robotics competitions over the years including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design/Build/Fly Challenge, Student Unmanned Aerial Systems Competition (SUAS), and International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC) with a focus on Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero Design since 2024.
PENN Air is competing in SAE Aero Design Regular, Advanced, and Micro CLasses and IARC in the 2026-2027 season
Past Projects
2025 – 2026
LEviathan
SAE AERO DESIGN WEST – REGULAR CLASS
High-payload fixed-wing UAV designed to maximize lifting capability while maintaining structural efficiency and reliable flight performance. The aircraft features a lightweight yet robust airframe and optimized propulsion system to achieve maximum payload fraction under SAE competition constraints.
38+lb
payload capacity
44mph
max cruise speed
20+lbs
thrust output
ZENITH
SAE AERO DESIGN WEST – ADVANCED CLASS
Autonomous UAV platform integrating advanced flight control, onboard sensing, and mission planning for complex autonomous operations in a VTOL design. The aircraft combines precision navigation, computer vision, and robust system integration to execute challenging flight missions with minimal operator intervention.
51mph
max cruise
0ft
takeoff distance (hover)
1.5lb
payload capacity
1st
design category
Tempest
SAE AERO DESIGN WEST – MICRO CLASS
Compact fixed-wing UAV optimized for high aerodynamic efficiency within size, weight, and power constraints. The aircraft emphasizes lightweight composite construction, rapid manufacturability, and stable flight performance to maximize mission effectiveness in a compact platform.
4.6lb
payload capacity
19mph
takeoff speed
25ft
takeoff distance
2024 – 2025
Equinox
SAE AERO DESIGN WEST – REGULAR CLASS
Equinox was our 2025 regular class aircraft. Designed and built as a high lift electric aircraft capable of lifting up to 55 lbs. Featuring a wingspan of 15 ft, the vehicle remains one of the largest flying vehicles built by students from scratch in the world.
ECLIPSE
SAE AERO DESIGN WEST – ADVANCED CLASS
For our advanced class aircraft in SAE Aero Design 2025, we created Eclipse, a fully autonomous tilt-rotor vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft inspired by the V-22 Osprey. Flying with a largely-composite airframe, the vehicle utilizes machine vision and controls algorithms to efficiently complete payload capture.
2023 – 2024
Empyrean
SAE AERO DESIGN EAST – REGULAR CLASS
Daedalus
SAE AERO DESIGN EAST – ADVANCED CLASS
Post 2023
- 2019 – IARC Mission 8
- 2019 – AIAA DBF Competition
- 2018 – AIAA DBF Competition
- 2017 – Falcon Aircraft
- 2016 – NSF CPS-VO Pilot Competition
- 2016 – IARC Mission 7
- 2014 – Penn AiR Founded