Cargo Plane @ UC Irvine 2025-2026
Who We Are
Cargo Plane @ UC Irvine is a student-led collective of more than 40 undergraduates from interdisciplinary fields in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, materials, and business. Each year, we design, build, and flight-test an electric, remote-controlled cargo aircraft to compete at SAE Aero West. Guided by creativity, collaboration, and a drive to push the boundaries of engineering, we tackle every stage of the design process top to bottom as a team.
We strive to advance electric unmanned aviation by outperforming past prototypes in flight duration, structural efficiency, and durability. Your support of our work plays a part in shaping the next generation of all-electric aviation, fueling the development of lighter, stronger structures, and cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems.
Our team at the 2025 SAE Aero West Competition in Van Nuys, California
Competition
The SAE Aero Design West 2026 will take place in mid-April at Thunderbird Field in Fort Worth, Texas. Student teams from across the nation will display and demonstrate their projects in a four-phase competition. This includes a written design report and cost analysis, static structural test, dynamic flight test, and a review of material and propulsion efficiency. A panel of aerospace industry professionals judge each school’s performance, efficiency, and technical innovation.
A CAD model of our 2025 project
Your Support
Our fundraising goal of $10,000 will fully equip our team to prepare for the competition in April! Your donations will directly enable us to:
- Cover SAE registration and testing fees
- Cover transportation, lodging, and shipping costs for the team and plane
- Fabricate precision components for manufacturing
- Acquire high-efficiency electric motors, battery packs, flight controllers, and more
Every dollar brings us closer to developing a top-performing aircraft and giving 40+ students an invaluable opportunity to pursue their passions and develop hands-on skills!
Our plane mid flight-test at the 2025 SAE Aero West Design Comp
Connect With Us
For more information about the project, please feel free to contact us at cargoplaneuci@gmail.com.
$25
Lift Off
Your $25 fuels our plane to be ready for lift off! Every donation counts and it will supply us with the necessary components to build our plane.
$50
Co-Pilot
Step into the cockpit with us! Your $50 donation helps fund hardware, adhesives, and small components that bring our aircraft one step closer to flight. Every Co-Pilot keeps our mission steady and on course.
$100
Ground Crew
Join the Ground Crew and keep our project running smoothly. Your contribution helps fund essential materials, tools, and testing supplies — the foundation of our build.
$250
Flight Engineer
As a Flight Engineer, you keep our designs flying high. Your support goes directly towards developing and refining our aircraft systems, from CAD modeling to fabrication.
$500
Flight Director
You’re guiding our mission to success. As a Flight Director, your generosity helps us manufacture key components, conduct test flights, and advance our engineering goals.
$1,000
Chief Pilot
Take the captain’s seat to SAE Aero West! Your leadership-level support powers every stage of our project — from design to flight. Chief Pilots are recognized as top sponsors and vital partners in helping our team soar.
