Aero Quest

RC Plane Design Constraints:

• The model should not measure more than 180 cm in any dimension. 
• Only electric propulsion is allowed, use of IC engines is prohibited. 
• Metal propellers are not allowed. 
• The model should not weigh more than 3 Kg. 
• No gyroscopes or electronic assistance are allowed. 
• VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) planes are not allowed. 
• The use of GPS is not allowed.

Gameplay:

• Test Flight:
  • Pilots will be given 5-10 minutes of time.
  • Pilots can use this time to test their planes and make any necessary adjustments.
• Round 1: Climb & Gliding Test
  • Participants have to climb for 30 seconds. After this, they need to perform a dead stick flight (Throttle = 0 or Gliding). The plane however can be maneuvered while it's gliding.
  • Points will be awarded based on the duration of glide time (A). One point will be awarded for each second of glide time. 
• Round 2: Payload Drop Test
  • Pilots must carry and release a payload (200-300 gram cube of 8 cm X 8 cm X 8 cm) at a specified target location accurately.
  • Points are awarded based on how close the payload lands to the target locations(B)
  • The target location has three concentric circles, the innermost circle carrying the highest number of points.
  • Pilots will be allowed a maximum of 10 minutes to perform this task
• Round 3: Climb and Landing Test
  • Pilots must approach a designated landing zone and execute a pinpoint landing with their RC planes.
  • Points are awarded based on the proximity to the target. (C)
  • The target landing spot will include three concentric rectangles, the innermost rectangle carrying the maximum points.
  • Pilots can perform stunts while climbing or landing, additional points will be given to them. 

Scoring:

• Pilots will be awarded points in each round B.
• Pilots may be given penalties for breaking the rules or delaying rounds (D). It is left to the discretion of the judges. 
• The sum of the final scores of all three rounds (A+B+C) - D will be considered for the final evaluation and accordingly winners will be announced.

General Instructions:

• Only one team member is permitted to operate the plane at a time during the competition. 
• The official time recorded by the organizers will be considered final and used for scoring purposes. 
• The aircraft must not leave the defined airspace during flight, or the participants risk disqualification. 
• Any time measurements taken by contestants through alternative means will not be accepted for scoring. 
• It is suggested to test the RC Plane before the competition. 
• It is advised to keep a minimum of 2 batteries for use. 
• Keep spare propellers and motors. 
• In the event of disputes or discrepancies, the decisions made by the organizers will be considered final and binding. 
• The organizers reserve the right to modify any or all of the above rules as they see fit. Any rule changes will be communicated to participants via their provided contact details. 
• Each team will be given a maximum of 10 minutes per round. If they fail to perform the task within the specified time, they will be marked as DNF (Did Not Finish).

Judging Criteria:

• Each participant will have a set time to complete each task. Participants may be penalized if they take too long to complete the task. 
• Judges will evaluate participants on factors such as precision, control, execution, and adherence to safety regulations. 
• In case of a tie, judges may consider the overall creativity.
• The innovation demonstrated during the tasks. 
• The decisions made by judges will be final.

Team Specifications:

Teams may comprise a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 5 participants, and it is permissible for students from different educational institutions to collaborate and form a team. 

Eligibility: Participation is open to all.