HELP US PREPARE FOR OUR NEXT COMPETITION

Purdue SAE Aero is a student-run engineering team that designs, builds, and competes with remote-controlled aircraft. We don’t just fly planes—we engineer them from the ground up, testing our designs in wind tunnels, refining structures through rigorous analysis, and manufacturing aircraft that push the limits of aerodynamics and performance.

Our mission is to cultivate the skills, experience, and professionalism of our members through intercollegiate aircraft design competitions. Team members gain hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and testing, while collaborating across disciplines—including Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (AAE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Aerospace Engineering Technology (AET), Computer Science (CS), and First-Year Engineering (FYE). Plus, our team is open to all Purdue students.

Our next competition is taking place on May 2nd in Fort Worth and we are in the middle of our development cycle for the new aircraft. All donations will have an immediate impact on our competitiveness and give students access to new tools and resources for this competition!

Student members of Purdue SAE Aero working on their aircraft.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

We may be a young team, but we play to win. We’re up against teams with over 20 years of experience, so we must be innovative to gain an edge. That means developing advanced aeronautical technologies like:

• Complex flap systems for improved lift and control
• Contra-rotating propellers for increased efficiency
• Autonomous flight and navigation to push the boundaries of modern aviation

Your support will provide critical funding for materials, electronics, and development tools—allowing students to build and test these cutting-edge technologies. More than just a competition, this initiative fosters a culture of innovation and research that could spark independent projects and future industry breakthroughs.

Without adequate funding, we risk missing out on key development opportunities that prepare Purdue students for careers in aerospace engineering and research. Our ultimate goal is to create a joint research initiative where students can receive academic credit and publicly present their findings—further solidifying Purdue’s leadership in aeronautics.

Thank you for believing in our mission!