American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA)
The UC Merced American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Student Branch is a student organization dedicated to introducing members to aeronautics and astronautics through hands-on, project-based learning. This approach enhances both technical and interpersonal skills applicable across engineering disciplines and professional settings. AIAA offers five major projects:

• Propulsion, Development, & Rocketry (PDR) consists of Introductory and Competition teams which aim to build members’ skills in aerodynamic and rocketry design and prepare them to enter the aerospace industry.
• Design, Build, Fly (DBF) attends the largest annual international RC-aircraft design competition, showing off the problem-solving skills of UC Merced’s engineering students
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles research team (UAV) explores electrical propulsion and drone dynamics while competing in the CITRIS Aviation Prize
• Project Turbine develops a 9-foot wingspan scale jet-turbine model of to advance composite manufacturing, parametric design, and systems engineering skills
• Biomass Observation Broadband Satellite (BOBSat-1) is UC Merced’s first nanosatellite program, conducting research on groundwater while fostering industry and academic partnerships. These projects provide members with real-world experience in aerospace engineering, research, and competition.

Fundraising Goal
AIAA is raising funds to equip our team with the manufacturing capabilities necessary to compete at the highest level of student competitions. A major part of this effort includes expanding our composite manufacturing capabilities, which allow us to create parts that are lighter, stronger, and custom-built for each of our projects. Composite structures are the industry standard in aerospace, and gaining hands-on experience with them gives our students a competitive edge as they transition into early career roles.