About the Competition

Developed by RSA Fellows in the East of England, this challenge is designed to give mechanical and multi-disciplinary students, undergraduate and apprentices around the world an opportunity to create new designs that harness the sun’s energy and prove the viability of solar powered flight.

They will showcase their creativity by demonstrating their skill and design knowledge through their ingenuity, and application of sound engineering principles, while also addressing a broad spectrum of industrial and manufacturing challenges.

The goals of this challenge are to engage engineering students, inspire team work and promote solar energy as a viable and renewable energy form. The RSA is inviting groups of students to design, build and fly model scale aircraft over a measured figure of eight course. The winner in each age group will set an official world record. This record will then be challenged in future years. The winners in each group will also receive a miniature copy of the Schneider Trophy, first awarded in 1912 for the advancement in aircraft design and performance.

Explore our 'How it Works' tab for more information on judging and prizes. Any additional questions, please email Sam Rakusen FRSA: sam.rakusen@gmail.com