Who are we?
The HKUST Aero Team is a dynamic student group committed to the fields of Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering. Supervised by Prof. Larry Li, our team consists of undergraduate students who participate in various aero-related activities, including industry site visits and international competitions.
Our objective is to establish a collaborative platform for students across multiple disciplines to exchange knowledge and insights on aviation, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry.
Our mission
We design, we build and we fly …
Since its establishment, our team has had a tradition of participating in international aero model competitions which requires participants to design and build a radio-controlled aircraft and complete a series of challenges.
We began joining the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design-Build-Fly (DBF) Competition in 2013. Last year, in order to provide more competition exposure and promote aviation in our community, we also began participating in the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) University and Schools Payload Challenges.
AIAA DBF Competition
The AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) competition is an annual event where worldwide university students design, build, and fly remote-controlled aircraft. Teams compete in designated and challenging missions offered by the AIAA official announced every summer, showcasing their exceptional engineering skills and creativity.
BMFA Payload Challenges
The BMFA Payload Challenges are annual competitions in which students design and manufacture load-carrying model aircraft. These challenges foster innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration among participants. This exciting event takes place each year at the BMFA National Centre near Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Just in 2025 April …
Flight of Progress!
We have ranked 31st out of 112 international teams at the 2025 AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition in Tucson, AZ.
The objective of this year’s competition is to design, build and fly a radio-controlled aircraft to demonstrate X-1 Supersonic Flight Program missions. Flight missions included aircraft delivery, captive carry flight, and X-1 launch flight. Teams were also assessed on how quickly they could modify the aircraft configuration for different flight missions.
Just in 2024 …
Champion!
We have won the First Place in the Quantity Challenge of the 2024 BMFA Payload Challenges, marking our team’s debut in the competition.
In the Quantity Challenge, teams were tasked to design, build, and fly a remotely operated aircraft capable of carrying the maximum number of designated payload elements, while adhering to a strict time limit for loading and unloading. The mission assessed the students’ knowledge and skills in multiple aspects of aircraft design.
Beyond competitions …
Industrial events
Over the years, we have nurtured collaborative partnerships with local firms in the industry. Through these alliances, we have organized enlightening career talks and facilitated immersive events, such as site visits and sharings for our student members.
These endeavors have not only offered valuable industry exposure but have also provided our members with real-world perspectives, fostering a profound appreciation for the aviation profession.
STEM education
STEM education integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. It emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and practical skills, empowering learners to tackle real-world challenges.
Each year, our team organizes a series of workshops and participates in various outreach events, including the HKUST Summer Institute. Through these initiatives, we are committed to promoting STEM values among college students and university members. Our goal is to nurture and inspire the next generation of industry talent.
Contact us
Follow us on social media to get the latest updates! Also please feel free to reach us out through email if you have any inquiries.
