Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Vansh Varak, Peter Ulrich, Senior Tanay Agarwal, Stanlie Cerda-Cruz, Madison Warner, Rohan Patel
Lead Presenter's Name
Peter Ulrich
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Mr. E.J. Maynard
Abstract
This project documents the iterative engineering, design, and construction efforts behind 2 20-foot human-carrying gliders developed by a team of Embry-Riddle students for the Red Bull Flugtag competition. The challenge required balancing aerodynamic performance, structural efficiency, and themed creativity while adhering to strict dimensional and weight limits. Over two consecutive years, the team used both conceptual and computational methods, ranging from initial sketches and precedent research to software-based aerodynamic modeling, subscale testing, and full-scale fabrication, to optimize glide performance in a low-speed, low Reynolds number flight regime. The work emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and hands-on engineering judgment while demonstrating how classroom concepts in aerodynamics, structures, and design translate into real-world aircraft construction. Our experience highlights the importance of iterative refinement, material selection, and practical constraints such as manufacturability, transportability, safety, and team coordination.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Engineering Education Commons
Flightless Eagles and the Redbull Flugtag Experience: How We Built a Manned Low-Speed Glider out of Foam and Cardboard
This project documents the iterative engineering, design, and construction efforts behind 2 20-foot human-carrying gliders developed by a team of Embry-Riddle students for the Red Bull Flugtag competition. The challenge required balancing aerodynamic performance, structural efficiency, and themed creativity while adhering to strict dimensional and weight limits. Over two consecutive years, the team used both conceptual and computational methods, ranging from initial sketches and precedent research to software-based aerodynamic modeling, subscale testing, and full-scale fabrication, to optimize glide performance in a low-speed, low Reynolds number flight regime. The work emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and hands-on engineering judgment while demonstrating how classroom concepts in aerodynamics, structures, and design translate into real-world aircraft construction. Our experience highlights the importance of iterative refinement, material selection, and practical constraints such as manufacturability, transportability, safety, and team coordination.