2026-2027 DWU: High School Engineering Challenge
2026-2027 DWU: High School Engineering Challenge Challenge Materials Overview The 2026-2027 challenge theme is, “Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems.” As more and more aircraft are a part of the US’ National Airspace System (NAS), NASA and partners at the FAA, at universities, and in the aviation industry are searching for ways to increase safety, […] The post 2026-2027 DWU: High…
In 2026-2027, the Design with Us Challenge by NASA centers around a new energy system for aircraft called "Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems." This challenge encourages middle and high school students to design aircraft that use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel source. Teams will need to research and understand LNG, its potential uses in aviation, the advantages of an additional fuel source, and necessary adaptations to aircraft and airports.
The challenge has specific requirements: the aircraft must carry 125,000 lb of cargo in a volume of at least 15,000 ft³, use standard unit load devices (ULD), and have a maximum takeoff and landing field length of 12,000 ft. The aircraft must also have a maximum approach speed of 150 knots, a range of 3,000 nautical miles with maximum payload weight, and cruise at an altitude of 35,000 ft-40,000 ft with a cruise speed of Mach 0.8.
The air freight company has expressed interest in a new aircraft design that utilizes LNG, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce time spent in the air. The challenge rules stipulate that AI use is not permitted, and the submission period for middle and high school entrants begins on September 25, 2026, and concludes on January 22, 2027.
Written by urgent.news from NASA Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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