NASA’s Fundamental Aeronautics Program held a competition asking undergraduate, and graduate students, to create a subsonic transport aircraft of the future. The futuristic transportation model had to meet specific, and realistic, parameters. The craft had to be able support up to 50,000 pounds of unnamed cargo, with operation capabilities allowing the craft to run on 1,500 – 3,000 ft runways and run at a speed of 625 mph.

In addition to these strict contest boundaries, the contestants had to consider earth-friendly alternatives for the prototype. The concept had to use alternative fuels and run quieter than current commercial airliners. Students had a tough task at hand, but the winning models own the top titles, and a coveted spot interning at one of four NASA research facilities. There were some non-U.S. entries, but they were not eligible to receive internship positions with NASA; those entries received engraved trophies and a certificate for exceptional designs.  

The contest wasn’t only about design, but cost-effective invention. The judges scored the designs on a strict criterion, cost analysis, design, creativity, feasibility, and imagination; fancy that, criteria for imagination.

The first place undergraduate team was from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The six person super team created the STINGRAE, a high quality aircraft exceeding all of the expectations of the NASA judges. The second place team came from the University of Miami creating an aircraft for the year 2058. The Quiet Ultra-efficient Integrated Aircraft (QUEIA) took home the second place position with team member, Nicholas Heinz winning the internship spot. In third place, Ohio State University slid into the final spot with the design of a STOL Transport Jet and three internship winners.

This year, the contest had 61 students participate in the contest – they look forward to gaining more entries from other aeronautics geniuses.