Aircraft Design

As the team lead for Vult in the AIAA 2024 Heavy Lift Mobility Platform Design Competition, I oversaw the design, modeling, and analysis of a heavy-lift hybrid wing body aircraft, named Wideload. Our design aimed to surpass the capabilities of the C-5M Super Galaxy, meeting or exceeding the competition’s requirements for payload, range, and efficiency.

I led the team in calculating and iterating weight, cost, and aerodynamic parameters using Python, guided by RFP specifications. Through use of OpenVSP and AVL, we created and analyzed the 3D geometry and aerodynamics of the Wideload, optimizing lift and stability. Additionally, I directed documentation efforts, crafting and editing formal reports with Overleaf, and developed mission profiles and constraint diagrams that helped refine our design approach. My role also involved coordinating trade studies for wing, fuselage, and control surface configurations, ensuring the blended wing body’s unique structure supported high lift and stability while reducing drag.

Performance Summary of Wideload
The Wideload was designed to achieve a maximum payload capacity of 430,000 lbs and an extended range of 10,800 nmi with no payload. The aircraft cruises efficiently at Mach 0.82, outpacing the C-5M while offering a larger payload capacity and more fuel-efficient operations. With top-mounted engines shielded by the fuselage, Wideload also benefits from reduced noise emissions, making it suitable for both military and commercial use. Our two-level interior accommodates various payload configurations and passenger arrangements, meeting the diverse mission requirements outlined in the RFP.

Key Skills

• Aircraft Design & Analysis

• Project Leadership

• Coding: Python

• Advanced Computational Tools: OpenVSP, AVL

• Formal Documentation LaTeX on Overleaf

• Iterative Design & Optimization: Applied constraint diagrams and trade studies to refine wing area, thrust, and structural configurations.

Date

• Jan 2024 - May 2024

Relevant resources for more information

• AIAA 2024 Design Competition Information

• AIAA 2024 Undergraduate Team Aircraft Design Competition Request For Proposal