Air Cargo Challenge 2024

With the move to a renowned European competition, both the spirits and determination of the UGA were high. The team was determined to set a new beginning in motion for UGA, and through the hard work of everyone in the society, was successful. After a complete uprooting of the team’s design and manufacture methodology, and whilst up against the toughest competition the society has seen, UGA achieved an 11th place finish amongst 30 teams in the ACC 2024. 

To attain this placement UGA had to radically change its approach to design and manufacture. For the first time in the society’s history, UGA had the resources to implement composite materials into the aircraft. This pivot to lighter stronger materials opened up a plethora of possibilities to the team. Aircraft configurations and performance previously considered unrealistic were now entirely possible. The onus was on the team to make the most of this opportunity. 

The step forward in quality did not come without difficulty. As this was the first time UGA was able to use composites, the society did not have the necessary equipment and had to build their expertise through many hours of trial and error. The team learned to employ modern manufacturing techniques such as vacuum forming and 3D printing. The lasting dedication of the members paid off, and by the competition the team had created their largest and highest performance aircraft to date. 

The competition was an eye-opening experience for the team, the environment was friendly and supportive whilst featuring extremely competitive, welldesigned aircraft. UGA came away with many improvements to consider, having learned all we can from our competitors. Now more than ever the team has an ambition to build on this success.