Soar high side by side
In the bustling city of Graz, a team of aviation enthusiasts at the University of Applied Sciences JOANNEUM are eagerly preparing for a challenge. Known as the Design Build Fly (DBF) Team, they are part of Joanneum Aeronautics, a student association that fosters practical aerospace projects and nurtures skills in aviation, aerodynamics, and related technologies.
The DBF Team, along with the Drone Tech Team (DTT) and the Laviators, make up the diverse Joanneum Aeronautics. This year, they are focusing on a unique project: designing, building, and testing a UAV for the delivery of vaccines.
As the subteam leader, Lucas Kappel, a resident of the STUWO Heim Smart Living in Graz, has the primary responsibility of fundraising for the project. With his private pilot's license and experience in the airline industry, Lucas is well-equipped to lead the team. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraising tasks are being carried out online from the comfort of his STUWO apartment.
The DBF competition in Wichita, Kansas is a yearly event where teams from around the world design, build, and fly an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In recent years, the DBF Team has travelled to the USA and has excellently represented Austria at the fly-offs, with the best result being third place in 2019. The team is looking forward to competing again this year, proving the excellence of their UAV.
The team can also be found on popular social media channels, where they share updates about their progress and the challenges they face. For more in-depth insights, readers can follow the team's monthly blog series, "Hangartalk", available on the FH JOANNEUM website.
The DBF Team is eagerly awaiting the trip to Wichita, Kansas in April of this year. As they continue to work on their UAV, they are filled with anticipation for the competition and the opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication to the field of aviation.
Joanneum Aeronautics, a group of passionate individuals, is more than just a student association. It is a community of people who share a common interest and a drive to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of aviation and technology. Their goal is to provide hands-on experience, promote interest in aerospace engineering, and represent students in related fields.
For a more detailed history, mission, and list of achievements, we recommend consulting the official FH JOANNEUM website or contacting Joanneum Aeronautics directly through the university’s student organizations portal. With their innovative projects and dedication to the field, Joanneum Aeronautics is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the world of aviation.
- The innovative project that the DBF Team is focusing on this year involves designing, building, and testing a UAV for vaccine delivery, merging science with space-and-astronomy and technology.
- Moving forward with the project, subteam leader Lucas Kappel, who has experience in aviation and technology, will lead the fundraising efforts online from his STUWO apartment, reflecting the team's determination in leveraging technology to succeed.
