Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2025

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Mohammad Ayoubi

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, fabrication, and testing of Santa Clara University's 2025 AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) competition aircraft. The project comprises two integrated systems: the Mothership (MS), a 6-ft wingspan electric aircraft, and the Autonomous Parasite Glider (APG), designed to complete four missions: rapid assembly, airworthiness, efficient fuel transport, and autonomous glider deployment. MS employs a tapered wing with an MH 20 airfoil and a Scorpion SII-4025-520 kV motor, selected for aerodynamic efficiency and mission-specific payloads, including wingmounted steel-filled fuel tanks. The APG, constructed from carbonreinforced foam, is deployed via spring latch and guided by an Ardupilot GPS controller.

Development followed an iterative process encompassing conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases, supported by custom and industry-standard tools including MATLAB™, SOLIDWORKS™, XFLR5™, and a custom mission simulator (LapSim). Ground and flight testing validated design objectives, confirming rapid modular assembly, structural robustness, and autonomous navigation. Results emphasize the value of early integration, iterative prototyping, and simulation-driven design. Future improvements are recommended in autonomy, mission systems, and scalability.

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