Cash prizes worth 35000 INR to be won!

Hey folks, the wait is finally over. Pragyan makes its maiden voyage to the to the skies, having already conquered the land and waters. Have you always been fascinated when you see an aeroplane or a jet soar across the sky and do mind-blowing moves in mid-air? Why not you yourself construct a model plane and do those moves, all controlled by you!? The objective is clear cut! The first ever "motorised aeromodelling" contest of Pragyan invites those innovative minds in India and around the world to construct a RC aircraft to take up daring challenges in mid-air. So go ahead and light-up the skies with your endless creativity.

Registrations for this event are extended. Click here to register. All registered participants are required to upload an abstract of their model.

Problem Statement

Design and fabricate a model RC aircraft (glider) to complete a specific set of maneuvers and tasks in the specified time frame. The design must be in such a way that equal importance is given to all the following factors:

• Speed
• Maneuverability
• Power (thrust)

Round 1 (preliminary round):

This round will test the aerodynamics and the maneuverability of the aircraft. This is considered as an eliminative round because they are pre-requisites for the tasks in the second round. In the prelims, the model will be tested on the following tasks:

• Vertical looping
• Rolling
• Drop spinning

While performing these maneuvers, the engine must be kept running all the time.

Points will be awarded based upon the stability of the aircraft and time taken. Please refer to the judging criteria for more details on the scoring system.

Vertical Looping:

• The arena for this task will be as shown in the figure below. The aircraft must take-off from the runway and can follow any path to approach the arena.
• Each team will be given two trials to complete this task and the best of the two will be considered.
• The arena consists of a Pull-Up line and a Finish-Line. The timer will start once the aircraft crosses the Pull-up line. Till it crosses this line, it MUST maintain level flight. After crossing the line it must pull up so that it completes one full vertical loop as shown and while crossing the finish line it must have again attained level flight.
• The distance between these two lines will be 75 meters. The participants should try to make a loop as big as possible. Hence, in this task, the maximum time taken for looping will be judging criteria.
• The aircraft must maintain a straight line path to the greatest extent. If there is too much deviation between the rough point of entry on the start line and point of exit on the finish line, that particular trial will be considered over but will not be accounted for judgement.

Rolling:

• The arena for this task will be the same as for the above task; there will be a start line and a finish line. But here they will be separated by a distance of 100 meters.
• The aircraft, on crossing the start line, must begin to roll as many times as possible before it crosses the finish line. The aircraft must maintain a straight line path.
• The total number of 360° loops the aircraft completes before it crosses the finish line will be noted.
• The total number of trials here is 2 and the best of the two will be considered.

Drop Spinning:

• The aircraft must take-off and reach a convenient height. From that height, it must dive towards the ground and during the process must make rolls about its axis.
• During the descent, the aircraft must make the maximum number of rolls possible.
• The total number of trials here is 2 and the best of the two will be considered.
• The maximum time to complete this task is 2 minutes.
• The participants will be allowed a total of 3 chances to launch the aircraft in every run, i.e., if the aircraft doesn't leave the runway, then they can re-launch their aircraft. In case it leaves the runway and then stops, then that particular run will be over and no point will be awarded for it.

The performance in this round and the second round will be considered for final judgement.

Round 2:

This round contains the main event which will test the design of the aircraft, throttle control, swiftness of the flight and the flying skills of the team. This has been sub-divided into two tasks, namely the "Sky dive" and the "Wind Glide".

Sky Dive:

As the name of the task suggests, the aircraft must make a dive in mid-air from a certain height and then ascend back to the same level. The exact specifications of the track and the goals to be achieved is as follows:

• The track consists of 3 sets of poles. The pole nearest to the RC operator is called pole 1 and the following ones, pole 2 and 3 respectively. The runway and the series of poles are kept adjacent to each other in such a way that the runway is at an angle of 45° with respect to the line in which the poles are located.
• The distance between each of these poles is 50 feet. The limbo is located at a height of 25 feet from the ground in poles 1 and 3. In pole 2, it is located at a height of 12 feet.
• There is also an area called as the “Pilot’s perimeter” measuring 10 X 5 feet in dimension. The RC operator must remain within this area throughout the task. However, he is free to move inside the area in any direction. This area will be located in such a way that the pilot has unhindered line of sight of both the runway and the poles.
• The distance between this area and pole 1 is 50 feet. A maximum of two persons are allowed inside the Pilot’s Perimeter.
• The aircraft must take-off from the designated runway. The aircraft can take any path to attain the required altitude and make an approach towards the diving area. After the dive, the aircraft must again bank around and land back in the run way. The engine must be kept running all the time, from take-off till landing. The total time taken for the completion of the dive will be the main judging criterion.
• Each team will be given 3 trials. The best time of the three will be taken. Also the maximum time to complete the track is 5 min from the take off until the landing on the specified area.
• In case the team crosses the 5 min mark, no points will be awarded for that trial.

Path to be Followed:

• After take-off, any path can be taken to approach the arena. Once the aircraft takes off, the timer will be started.
• The glider must go above the limbo of pole 1.
• It must then dive and go below the limbo of pole 2.
• It must again ascend and go above the limbo of pole 3. This is lap 1.
• The aircraft must again turn back and do the above tasks in the reverse order. This will be considered as lap 2.
• The time taken from take-off till landing will be noted down.

In case the aircraft fails to complete the above tasks in that particular sequence, for example, if the aircraft goes above pole 2 or if it goes below pole 1 during the ascent, then that particular lap will not be considered ie the team must redo the lap. If this happens in lap 2 it should fly back and start the lap from pole 3. The same applies for lap 1. But the timer will be kept running irrespective of what happens for 5 minutes without stop. Even in the event of the aircraft crash landing, ie if the fuselage or any parts of the air craft breaks, then that particular trial will be over without any points being gained.

Wind Glide:

This task will test the aerodynamics of the model. The aircraft must reach a certain height with the engines turned on. After a specific amount of time the throttle must be made 0% (flame-out situation).

The aircraft must then glide down to a specific spot without the use of the engine at any point of time.

• The aircraft must take off from the runway or be hand launched. The participants are allowed to choose any path, but the engine/motor must be shut down after exactly 45 seconds. Thereafter the aircraft must PURELY GLIDE and TOUCH DOWN in the landing area which is a circle of radius 6 feet.
• The aircraft must stay in air for at least 75 seconds after engine cut-off and must land successfully to be considered for judgement. Please refer to judgement criteria for the marking scheme.
• Each team will be given 2 trials and the better of the two will be considered.
• There should be nil thrust control after 45 seconds. If any team violates this rule, that particular trial will not be taken into consideration even though the landing might be successful.

Aircraft Specifications

• The design of the aircraft must be in such a way that it has the four forces of flight (lift, drag, weight and thrust from the rotor). Innovative designs of aircrafts are accepted but unconventional designs like hovercrafts and helicopters are not allowed.
• If the participants already have a model, they are allowed to modify it according to the given specifications.
• The wing span of the aircraft should be anything less than or equal to 40 inches.
• Both IC engines and electric motors are allowed.
• We have test flown both motor powered and IC engine powered planes. Considering our problem statement, it does not matter whether the plane is powered by IC engine or electric motor.
• The teams are allowed to change the wing at any point in the contest. However the fuselage must remain unchanged.
• No team is allowed to use a launching mechanism. It should be either hand launched or should take off from the ground.
• The maximum allowed displacement of the engine is 4.2cc. Any model found having engines higher than the given rating will not be allowed to participate in the event. An example of such an engine is the THUNDERTIGER 18 engine which has a displacement 2.9cc, which is just perfect for an event of this kind.
• In case of motor powered plane, the voltage of the battery should not exceed 12 V.
• The teams are free to choose the material of fabrication for the model. The best bet would be balsa wood as it is very light, but at the same time durable. Sun foam could be another choice.
• There is no restriction on the weight of the aircraft. However, the participants must keep in mind the tasks at hand while designing their aircraft. Recommended weight is 1.00-1.25 kg.
• Use of gyroscopes is strictly prohibited.
• The use of RTF (ready-to-fly) and ARF (almost-ready-to-fly) kits are strictly prohibited.
• But the use of ready-made engines, remote control sets, propellers and servos are allowed. The participants are also allowed to use kits comprising of assembled pieces of balsa wood to make the fuselage and the wings.

All aircrafts will undergo inspections before the start of the event by experts from the aero-modelling field. Any violations will lead to direct disqualification. The models will also undergo inspections for safety before its launch. The model must be rigid and should not be of any threat to other participants as well as spectators.

Judging Criteria

Round 1:

Number of successive rolls completed in one approach = N.

Time to complete vertical looping = t₁ (best of the three trials).

Time to perform drop spinning = t₂ (best of the three trials).

No of points in Round 1 = (t₁) + (120 - t₂) + 10N = 120 - t₂ + t₁ + 10N

Apart from this, the stability and the flying capabilities will be judged by experts and points will be given on a score of 100, say this is equal to M.

Total Score: 120 - t2 + t1 + 10N + M

Round 2:

In sky dive, the total amount of time is defined as the time taken by the aircraft from take-off till touch-down. Let it be denoted as 't₃'. The best of the three trials will be taken.

In wind glide, the excess number of seconds after the initial 75 seconds elapses following engine shut-down is the number of points scored by the team. In case a team is unable to keep the aircraft afloat for more than 75 seconds, then no points will be awarded. Let the excess time of flight be t₄.

Sky Dive = 300 - t₃

Wind glide = t₄

Final Score = Total Score in Round 1 + (300 - t₃) + t₄

The team with the maximum number of points will be declared as the winner.

Best Design

Irrespective of the performance in the above tasks, there will be a separate cash award for the best innovative design. The models will be examined by aeromodelling experts to decide this prize.

Team Specifications

The maximum number of members in a team is 4. Students from different colleges/universities are allowed to form a team.

General Rules

1. The team cannot comprise of more than 4 students, including the flyer.
2. The transmitter of all the teams will have to be deposited with the co-ordinators to prevent frequency clashes.
3. The maximum displacement of the engine, as mentioned earlier SHOULD NOT EXCEED 4.2cc.
4. Either IC engines or electric motors are allowed. The participants are allowed to choose either of these.
5. One team can bring both type of models if they wish to do so.
6. The aircraft will be checked for its safety before the start of the event, and will not be allowed to participate if found unsafe for other participants or spectators. The organisers’ decision will be final in this regard.
7. The teams are allowed to bring their own fuel for their engines, but however glow starters and fuel pumps will be available at the venue with the co-ordinators. Fuel can be purchased at the venue.
8. The use of ARF and RTF models is prohibited.
9. The co-ordinators will not take responsibility for any problems arising due to the weather (rain, wind etc).
10. If any team is not present at the slot provided for their trials, then no points will be awarded for it.
11. The organisers reserve the right to change all or any of the above rules as they deem fit. Any changes carried out will be intimated to the participants as well as updated in the website.
12. The teams must be in good competitive spirit. Bisbehaviour of any sorts will not be tolerated at any cost.
13. Any team or team member found misbehaving will lead to immediate disqualification.
14. The decision of the judges will be final and binding. No correspondence will be encouraged in this regard.

Teams are required to upload an abstract of their model. The abstract is non-eliminative and is just for the organizers to get an idea of the model. The format of the abstract can be downloaded from here. You may fill in the details and upload it after registering.

Video Submission

1. The team should prepare and submit a short unedited video of at least 1 minute showing clearly their model aircraft and flying skills to take part in Pragyan '10. This is compulsory.
2. Teams will be short listed based purely on their flying skills demonstrated in the video due to concerns in regard with the safety of the crowd as the models travel at considerable speeds.
3. In the video the model must be hand launched or take off from the ground and perform basic manoeuvres like banking on either side, making U-Turns and landing. It is enough if you show your basic skills.
4. The clip should be in AVI or MPEG format. If others formats are used necessary plugins must be attached.
5. The video need not contain the exact working or mechanism of the aircraft. It must convince the organizers that the team has the ability to fly their model aircraft without hassle.
6. It should basically show the aircraft, the operator, the RC used following which the flying skills are to be demonstrated and videographed.
7. The video must be uploaded on You tube with the following name: Pragyan'10.Skydive.(Team–Name). Or it must be sent to the event manager in the earlier mentioned address through register post or courier on or before 15th February 2010.

   Send your entries to:

   Dilip R
   Beryl Room No 143
   National Institute of Technology Trichy Campus
   Trichy - 620015. Tamil Nadu. INDIA.

8. Pragyan Team will not be responsible for any postal/courier delays. The Team participation is confirmed only after the receipt of the video. An e-mail will be sent to the team leader confirming the same.

• What type of propulsions are allowed?

Both IC Engines as well as electric motors are allowed. The participants can choose according to their convenience.

• Can the same team bring two aircrafts?

Yes. But a separate abstract has to be submitted for each model.

• Will electric motors have any advantage over the IC engines and vice versa?

The tasks have been carefully designed in such a way that your mode of propulsion will not play any major role. We have test flown many times with both types. Only your model’s aero dynamics and your flying skills will be put to test.

• Are we allowed to change the wing for the Wind Glide round?

Yes. But the fuselage of the aircraft should not be changed in anyway. ONLY the wing can be changed and this also should remain within 40 inches.

• Is abstract and video submission mandatory?

Yes! Participation is confirmed only after the receipt of the abstract and video.

• What is the maximum allowed voltage for the model?

12 V.

• What is the maximum allowed displacement of the engine?

4.2 cc.

• Should the specifications be strictly adhered to?

Yes. The models will be examined and judged by aeromodelling experts and any discrepancy will lead to disqualification.

• Is there any restriction on the weight of the model?

No.

• What material can be used to make the model?

Material selection is entirely the participants choice, but it is advisable to use balsa wood or sun foam.

• Are ARF (Almost Ready to fly) and RTF (Ready to fly) kits allowed?

NO. The use is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification. But however the use of unassembled cut pieces of balsa wood is allowed. Also the use of readymade propellers, actuators and RC sets are allowed.

• Can students of different colleges form a team?

As long as all the members of a team have a valid ID card, students from different colleges can form a team.

• Will fuel, lock starters and engine starters be provided during the competition?

Yes. But the participants need to purchase the fuel after paying the appropriate cost.

In case you are a beginner, then we strongly suggest you to spend a lot of time in an RC FLIGHT SIMULATOR in a PC/Laptop before actually flying your model. It helps you save a lot of time and money.

Below you will find some info about these common RC flight simulators:

• FMS
• Realflight G2 and G3
• Reflex XTR
• Aerofly Pro

FMS is a real bargain. The software is available for free! You can download the latest version at http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html.

Aerofly Pro has very realistic flight physics and decent graphics. There's a dedicated cable to connect your own Tx to your computer. This allows you to get used to flying with your own transmitter. There is also a version that comes with a controller, but we would recommend getting comfortable with the Tx that you will use at the field.

The standard program comes with both planes and helicopters. An expansion pack is now included for free. There is also a "Deluxe" version available with lifelike photorealistic sceneries. You can in fact install photorealistic sceneries into the basic AFP.

Dilip Raghupathi
+91 93806 92797

Navneet Vyas
+91 99520 74275

Sanjay V
+91 99404 26734

Satish N R
+91 99405 14589