Aircraft Design
Technical Committee
Advancing the science and practice of aircraft design through research, education, and collaboration across the global aerospace community.
About Us
Who We Are
The AIAA Aircraft Design Technical Committee (ADTC) is one of the oldest and most active technical committees within the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Our members represent industry, academia, and government agencies united by a passion for advancing the discipline of aircraft design.
Founded to foster excellence in multidisciplinary aircraft design, the committee serves as the focal point for design-related activities at major AIAA conferences, including AVIATION Forum and SciTech Forum. We organize technical sessions, sponsor design competitions, recognize outstanding research, and publish resources for the aircraft design community.
Membership in the ADTC is open to AIAA members with expertise or interest in aircraft design. We welcome engineers, researchers, educators, and students who share our commitment to excellence in aerospace.
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What We Do
Conferences
Organize technical sessions at AIAA AVIATION Forum and SciTech Forum, featuring the latest aircraft design research.
Call for PapersAwards
Recognizing outstanding contributions through the Best Paper Award and the prestigious Aircraft Design Award.
View AwardsStudent Competitions
Inspiring the next generation through undergraduate and graduate design competitions with real engineering challenges.
Student CompetitionsDesign Build Fly
Supporting the iconic DBF competition where student teams design, build, and fly radio-controlled aircraft.
DBF CompetitionNewsletter
Keeping the community informed with our regular newsletter covering TC activities, member spotlights, and industry news.
Read NewsletterDesigner Profiles
Celebrating the visionaries of aviation through in-depth interviews with legendary aircraft designers.
Read Profiles
Community
Connecting the Community
The Aircraft Design TC brings together hundreds of professionals at AIAA conferences each year. Our technical sessions attract leading researchers, seasoned industry practitioners, and promising students working at the forefront of aircraft design.
Whether you are presenting cutting-edge research, seeking collaboration partners, or mentoring the next generation of aircraft designers, the ADTC provides the platform and community to make it happen.