SpeedfestIV Alpha Class Rules

April 25-27, 2014

Hosted By:

University Multispectral Labs (UML), Oklahoma State University, NASA OK Space Grant Consortium, Zivko Aeronautics, Spirit AeroSystems, AUVSI

ALPHA Class

Speedfest is an exciting, high-speed aircraft design competition which is intended to foster enthusiasm for aviation, and unmanned aircraft design. There are two flight classes: Alpha Class is the Advanced class which is open to all collegiate-level teams. India Class is the Invitational class. It is open to high-school level teams on an invitational basis. The top 3 teams in each class will be recognized with awards. The winners of each class will be awarded the Speedfest Cup.

Contents:
Mission Requirements and Design Constraints
Flight Procedures and Scoring
Safety Requirements
General Aircraft Requirements
Contest Day Information
Eligibility
Entry Form Format
Deadlines
Speedfest Site

Mission Requirements

Payload:

The payload is a single, regulation golf ball which will be contest provided. The payload may be carried with any type of descent vehicle or system desired, subject to restrictions.

Mission 1: Climb and Release

While carrying the payload, climb as high as possible within 10 seconds and release the payload

The Payload Descent Time (PDT) determines the allowable time to complete Mission 2

Mission 2: High Speed Cruise

Complete as many figure-8 laps as possible on a 600 ft. course within the PDT.

Design Constraints

A single, internal combustion (IC) engine only. Any one of the following engines are allowed:

Magnum XLS-46
O.S. 46 LA ABN
O.S. 46 AX II ABL
SuperTigre GS-45
ThunderTiger PRO .46

Methanol / Nitromethane fuel only. Contest provided Cool Power 15% or equivalent

No Injections, fuel additives, or turbocharging

All propulsion power must come from the single IC engine.

No modifications may be made to the engine, with the following exceptions:

The muffler is not considered part of the engine. Teams are free to use any exhaust system.
Teams may use any glow plug
RTV may be used for gaskets and / or sealant

Exhaust should not be aimed downward (to protect runway mat).

Engines will be marked in an inconspicuous location during inspection. Teams must be willing to break down engines for post-contest inspection / rules verification.

No manner of propulsion is allowed on any payload descent system.

Propeller must be a commercially available, balanced propeller for gas/glow engines only. Propeller blades may be clipped in diameter.

Static engine RPM must not exceed 16,000 rpm at WOT

ROG (Rise off Ground) only. No launch assist of any type, including hand launch. Nothing may be left behind. Teams may use a flight crew member to hold the airplane at the tail prior to release if they desire, as long as the crew member is completely behind the propeller arc. The runway is a smooth geotextile material, and is 60 ft wide by 600 ft long. Three small seams run along the length of the runway spaced 15 ft. apart. There is also an adjacent grass runway of similar dimensions. Teams may use both runways.

Nothing may be intentionally dropped from the plane other than the payload system.

Teams may compete with multiple airframes, however the basic airframe shape and size for each must be the same.

Design objectives have been created to be as straightforward as possible to minimize the chances of ambiguity, or multiple interpretations. If however, there are questions about the contest, please email the address found below in the Entry Form Format section.

Flight Procedures and Scoring

Mission 1: Climb and Release

Engine run-up, check tach @ WOT, and controls.

Time starts when aircraft begins takeoff roll.

The aircraft is given 10 seconds to climb into the designated area east of the runway. Aircraft should turn east as soon as possible after takeoff.

The payload must be released before a horn sounds at the end of 10 seconds. If the payload is not clearly separated from the main aircraft when the horn sounds, the attempt is disqualified (DQ.)

Land

Judges will record the payload descent time (PDT) from release, to whichever occurs first:

Touchdown of the payload in the designated area
Payload is no longer visible to the judges
3 minutes

Mission 1 Restrictions:

The payload must land anywhere to the EAST of an imaginary line aligned with the west edge of the runway. Otherwise the attempt is DQ.
The type or design of the payload descent system used is allowed to change during the contest.

Mission 2: High Speed Cruise

Engine run-up, check tach @ WOT, and controls.

Take off and fly to the safe distance designated course entry (indicated by the safety judge)

Time starts after the pilot is cleared to enter the course, and the plane passes the first turn line, and ends at the PDT.

Fly figure 8’s with all turns away from the pilot as seen in the figure below. Planes do not need to fly around a flag, they just must pass a turn line in space.

Each team will provide two flight crew members to serve as turn indicators, and will stand next to the Cut Judges. When a plane crosses the turn line, they will signal their caller by raising a flag. Crew flaggers must not raise a flag prior to the airplane crossing the turn line, or it will be considered a "cut."

Cut Judges will use a sighting guide to determine when a plane has passed a turn line, and if a flag has been raised early, or if a plane has "cut" the turn. If a cut occurs, the judge will indicate a disqualification (DQ) for that flight attempt by raising a flag. If a plane is DQ'ed, the pilot should land as soon as possible.

Mission 2 Restrictions:

Mission 2 must be performed immediately after mission 1 within the team's given time window, using the same plane that just completed mission 1.
A PDT is only valid for a mission 2 performed immediately after mission 1, within the given time window.
While the aircraft is waiting on the runway for the judges to return an official PDT, no modifications or configuration changes may be made to the plane other than:

A propeller change. If prop is changed, a runup tach check must be performed.
A glow plug change
Minor repair or adjustment due to landing damage such as bent landing gear.

No fuel may be taken. Airplanes must perform mission 2 with the remaining fuel on board from mission 1.

Score:

Score = Total number of turn flags raised within the PDT of mission 2. A flag is raised each time a plane crosses a turn line (including the first)

Tiebreaker:

Fly as many laps as possible within a 3 minute window, in full mission 1 configuration. If a team has used multiple mission 1 configurations during the course of the day, then for the tiebreaker they must use the configuration that yielded them the highest score. As with a regular mission, time begins after the pilot is cleared to enter the course and when the plane crosses the first turn line. The complete payload descent system must remain with the aircraft during the entire flight.

Safety Requirements

Safety must be the number one priority of all contest participants. The Speedfest organizers have gone to great lengths to keep the event safe for participants and spectators. Please carefully note the following:

Contestants are expected to conduct themselves, and operate their aircraft in accordance to the AMA Safety Code. (the following link contains all AMA documents including the Safety Code: http://www.modelaircraft.org/documents.aspx)

Every person beyond the spectator line (including officials), must wear a helmet approved by OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL,NOCSAE or other recognized organization that certifies safety equipment. There is a very wide variety of helmets that meet these criteria including; skateboarding helmets, bicycle helmets, construction hard-hats, etc.

Any flight crew member involved with starting the aircraft engine at any time (flightline or pits), Or holding the plane at runup/start, must wear official safety glasses, gloves (leather, or other types of whole-hand cut-resistant gloves are acceptable), and hearing protection (foam earplugs are sufficient)

Teams must make sure that people are standing clear of the plane of the propeller in case of a blade failure. The safest location is behind the propeller. All individuals must be behind the plane of the propeller when running up the engine. Only the starter should be in front, however the throttle should not be advanced until the starter is in a safe location.

Flight Crew: Required minimum flight crew is 4 members (Pilot, Caller, and 2 Flagmen). Beyond that, the number and makeup of the flight crew is at the discretion of each team, however it may consist of a maximum of 7 team members. Functions of flight crew members may be combined if desired. All must verify current AMA membership at the event. Typical flight crew functions include:

Pilot

Caller: Stands by the pilot to call turns.

Crew Flagmen: Minimum of two. Stand near turn marker judges to indicate turn line passage
Recovery: (Optional) Only flight crew and contest officials may go recover aircraft
Starter/Timer: (Optional) Teams may have a member assist with starting the engine on the runway, and runup prior to start. The person may also serve as a timer or additional flagman.

Any level of flight autonomy must be compliant with AMA rules (See http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/560.pdf)

When a team number is called for a flight, only flight crew may enter the field beyond the spectator area.

All aircraft to be flown must go through an airworthiness inspection outlined below.

For teams not familiar with AMA contest airworthiness inspections, it is recommended that an experienced RC pilot or AMA Contest Director assist the team with an airworthiness inspection prior to travelling to the Speedfest in order to reduce the chances of a delay requiring repairs or modifications.

All team members, who attend the event should be AMA members. It is the opinion of the organizers that all team members, must be committed to the AMA safety code when designing, building, and flying, unmanned aircraft.

Engines or motors must not be started in the teams pit area. There will be designated areas for engine runup and testing.

Pilots

Speedfest is not an event appropriate for novice pilots. Teams should use experienced pilots with a record of safety.
Contest organizers will provide a pilot upon request. Teams may not however request a specific pilot.
Pilot instructions:

Safety must the primary responsibility of every pilot.
If there is some aspect of the airplane that the pilot deems unsafe, he must ensure the team takes corrective action before flight.
Pilots must follow the instructions of the safety officer during flight. If instructed to abort, or even sacrifice the airplane for safety, the pilot must do so immediately without question.
Pilots must never allow the airplane to cross a line defined by the West edge of the runway. If the line is crossed, power must be cut immediately, and a turn made away from the spectators.
Pilots will be instructed how far to the east to fly patterns in order to maintain safe distances from the spectators. India class uses a 275 ft. setback from the spectator line. Alpha class uses a 675 ft. setback.
During high speed flights in the pattern, Alpha class pilots are requested to fly as low as they feel comfortable, to provide an extra margin of safety for spectators.

General Aircraft Requirements

Landing Gear
No part of the aircraft may be jettisoned or fall off, including, landing gear which must stay with the aircraft at all times. For example, no “dollies” or sleds.

Propeller
Metal propellers are prohibited. Teams must paint the tips of their propellers (approximately 0.5 inches) on both sides, white. This is to reduce chances of injury. (Teams should balance their propellers after they are painted.)

Engine Mounting
The engine should be securely attached to the mount, and the mount to the airframe. Due to vibration, mounting bolts must use nylock nuts, or blue Loctite.

Radio Gear:
Only 2.4 GHz spread spectrum radios will be allowed. The receiver battery must be a 4-cell (4.8v) NiCD or NiMH pack and have an external switch. There must also be a simple means for displaying voltage to the judges. At a minimum, teams may have an external connector to check voltage with an expanded scale voltmeter. Any brand of voltmeter is allowed as long as it is a load test type. Alternatively, teams are encouraged to use a voltage monitor (example) mounted permanently to the exterior of the airplane.

Range Check and Fail-Safe:
Aircraft receivers must be programmed with a fail safe system which will cut off engine power if signal is lost or interrupted. Operation of this feature must be demonstrated. A standard range check must also be demonstrated using the procedure detailed in the transmitter manual.

Team Name Lettering
Each team will mark their airplane with their team name. Lettering shall be clearly legible and sized at least 0.5 inches tall. Lettering shall be on the top surface of the wing. Abbreviations may be used. For example; "ZSU Zebras" would be acceptable.

Preflight Airworthiness Inspection of Aircraft

Prior to competition, all aircraft shall undergo a safety inspection. Safety inspections will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. Teams are encouraged to go through safety inspections on the Friday afternoon of Speedfest so as to not miss any flight opportunities.

The overall quality of construction must be considered safe and airworthy. Safety inspectors will be checking the following:

Push/pull rods or cables and control horns, shall be installed in such a way that they will not become disconnected in flight. Clevises must have a "keeper mechanism." Adjustable control linkages that use set screws or friction are NOT acceptable.
Pushrods shall have only one threaded end that is free to turn.
Control surfaces shall be firm on the hinge line without excessive play.
Servos shall be mounted securely with little play.
Any servo extensions used must have connections secured with a servo lead lock
All screws holding the engine to the mount and the mount to the firewall shall be in place and secure using nyloc nuts or Loctite.
Spinner or prop nut used to secure propeller.
Prop tips painted white last 0.5 inches of span.
The radio receiver and battery pack shall be secure, and surrounded by soft foam rubber or other vibration-dampening material and adequately protected against contamination by engine exhaust, raw fuel, or fuel residue.
Receiver battery check: 4-cell NiCD or NiMH, external switch, team must display voltage check to judges.
Wings, if removable, shall be securely attached to the fuselage by some mechanical means such as bolts.
The aircraft shall be free of structural damage which may compromise safety.
Range check / failsafe verification
Proof of prior flight. Teams must demonstrate proof of prior flight. This may be done using pictures or video evidence.

Repairs:
Any aircraft that has been damaged after a safety inspection or has a known history of problems shall not be permitted to fly until it has been satisfactorily repaired and re-inspected. Materials used for repair may come from any source.

Confirmation of class rules:
Judges will also confirm that all aircraft entered comply with the Design Constraints. This will include inspection and measurements of the airframe and engine for compliance.

Contest-Day Information

Each team will be provided at least 3 flight attempt opportunities. The best score of all attempts will be retained.

Speedfest objectives and scoring have been designed to minimize the effect of weather conditions. Expect competition to continue unless winds are above 30 mph sustained, or if there is continuous rain.

Speedfest is a competition between teams. There are no restrictions on repairs, spare parts, replacement aircraft, etc. Repaired and replacement planes must still conform to the rules for a particular class. If an aircraft is damaged to an extent that airworthiness may be questioned, and is to be re-flown, the airplane must go through the airworthiness inspection again. Also, if a replacement plane is used, it must also go through the airworthiness inspection.

Mandatory Items to bring:

Current AMA membership cards for flight crews
Proof of flight

Helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves for Flight Crew listed above.

There will be limited electrical service for individual teams. A charging station will be provided where teams may connect their charging equipment.

A Rules Committee will be formed for the purpose of resolving any rules questions during the Speedfest event. The committee will consist of the contest director, a representative from one of the host industries, and 3 volunteer team advisors (familiar with the Speedfest rules) taken from the competing teams. Any controversial rules interpretations, protests, or conflicts, will be resolved by the committee by a simple majority vote.

Registration
During the designated time on the day of the event, flight crews must register. Speedfest officials will then provide each with a flight line pass. Registration consists of the following:

Flight crews must each show proof of current AMA membership
Team Flags and safety gear will be checked
Flight Crews, advisors, and mentors should report with their airplane to have a team photo taken.

Flight Sequence

Teams will be assigned a queue number.

Numbers will be called in sequence from 1 to n

Teams will be fueled prior to entering the queue. Before receiving the fuel, teams must be able to confirm to a judge that their fuel tank is empty.

When teams are called, they will need to go get their fuel in the hangar, and have a receiver/transmitter voltage check. Failure of the voltage check will result in DQ for that round.

After fueling, teams will be given their payload, and then move to the queue boxes

Only teams that are called to the flight line may pass the spectator line and enter the course. They must wear the appropriate safety gear.

Alpha Class: Each team has an X minute window when called to the flight line. Within that window, the team must be able to set up their plane, compete, and clear the course. Failure to leave the course in the X minute window will result in forfeiting the team’s time slot in the next round. Continued violation will result in losing best score.

Optional Speedfest Team Promotional Video Award

Speedfest Teams that create promotional videos have the opportunity to be recognized at the event, and to receive awards. Videos can promote: their team, airplane, university, country, Speedfest, or any combination of these in an entertaining and informative way.

Guidelines:

Videos may be no more than 2 minutes in length total.
May not refer to specific competitors teams in a negative light.
May not contain material considered to be obscene by professional standards.
Royalty-free music is preferred so that we may post your video publicly. Teams should test their videos on YouTube, Vimeo, or another hosting site so that they are not removed or muted due to copyrighted music.

Teams will send the link of their videos to the SpeedfestAero address no later than April 20, and the winner will be chosen by electronic voting. There are no restrictions on who may vote. Votes will be accumulated from April 20, until Speedfest contest day.

Eligibility

Speedfest Alpha Class is open to all academic institutions of any type (2-year, 4-year, trade, postgraduate, etc.)
Team members (other than pilots), must be students of the institution. Students may be any level (undergraduate, graduate, etc.)
All team members should be current AMA members. Flight crew must be AMA members.
International teams: All team members must be members of the organization equivalent to the AMA in your country. Pilots however, must have either AMA membership, or membership in an organization that has a reciprocity agreement with AMA.

Entry Form Format

For each team entered, send a separate email with the following information in the following format:

- Academic institution name
- Team Name
- Team Contact email
- Team Advisor email
- Team Pilot email (if Speedfest pilot not being used)

In the Subject line of your email write: “Alpha Class Speedfest Entry Request, (Team Name), (date)”

Subject line example: Alpha Class Speedfest Entry Request, ZSU Zebras, 21Sept2012

Send entries to:

To keep the Speedfest manageable and enjoyable, a limited number of entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

A single institution may compete with no more than two teams.

Deadlines

Teams may enter at any time.
Rules are subject to change until September 30. After this date, rules become final.
Optional Promotional Video due no later than April 20

Contest Site

Speedfest is held at the Unmanned Aircraft Flight Station (UAFS) in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
GPS Location: lat=36.1632229 lon=-96.836514
Stillwater Oklahoma is approximately 75 miles from two major airports: Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, OK, and Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City, OK.

Airfield Directions: From all directions, the best way to get to the UAFS is to drive to the intersection of Hwy 51 (E 6th st.) and N. Clay Road (bulls-eye in map below). Then take Clay road north approximately 3.2 miles. The UAFS is just north of the intersection of N. Clay Rd. and E. Airport Rd.

Speedfest Site Diagram and Course Layout