3D Printed Aircraft Competition

The University of Texas at Arlington will host the 10th Annual 3D Printed Aircraft Competition July 11, 2026 at UTA Maverick Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

As 3D printing technologies have expanded, the design space for many applications, the challenge of leveraging this design freedom for improved performance while satisfying fabrication process constraints has likewise increased. This competition challenges students to:

• Develop lightweight, 3D printable airframe configurations
• Integrate design and advanced manufacturing to maximize mission performance
• Design within 3D printing process and material constraints
• Leverage direct digital manufacturing technologies
• Develop team and hands-on design experience

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Registration Deadline: January 31, 2026 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
• Design Report Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026
• Aircraft Check-In Date: July 10, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• FLYOFF DATE: Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. University of Texas at Arlington Maverick Stadium

Stay Informed or Participate

• Registration Form

• Sign Up to Receive Updates or email Dr. Robert Taylor at taylorrm@uta.edu with any questions!
• 3DPAC Rules
• Event FAQs
  

Fixed Wing Category

(All lifting surfaces must remain fixed)

• Altair Most Innovative Design*, $1000
• Longest duration flight, first prize, $1000
• Longest duration flight, second prize, $500

Rotary Wing Category

(A significant proportion of lift is generated by rotation of components or of the entire body)

• Altair Most Innovative Design*, $1000
• Longest duration flight, first prize, $1000
• Longest duration flight, second prize, $500

*Design reports must be received by submission deadline to be eligible for Altair Most Innovative Design Awards

Sponsors

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible. For questions and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Robert Taylor - taylorrm@uta.edu

Undergraduate Applicants

• Let Us Know About You
• Undergraduate Programs in Catalog
• Apply

Graduate Applicants

• Aerospace Engineering Info Request
• Mechanical Engineering Info Request
• Graduate Programs in Catalog
• Apply

Contacts

MAE Administrative Office
WH 211 – 817-272-2603

Undergraduate Academic Advising
Undergraduate Advising Page
WH 204 | 817-272-2561
maeundergrad@uta.edu

Graduate Academic Advising
Graduate Advising Page
WH 306 | 817-272-2500
MAEGradAdvising@uta.edu 

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