After months of intense design and engineering work, Rosmini College's Team Frank soared to victory
After months of intense design and engineering work, and a fiercely competitive final, Rosmini College's Team Frank soared to victory, becoming the Project Frankenplane 2025 Champions!
The winning crew, composed of Year 11 students and their Year 10 pilot, triumphed over challenging, windy, and rainy conditions on Saturday to secure the top spot. Their win nets them the coveted trophy and a substantial $3,000 cash prize, generously provided by the event's sponsor, the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Project Frankenplane is a unique and grueling challenge designed to push students to their limits in aeronautical engineering and resourcefulness. The task for each team is complex: design and build a balsa wood aircraft that must not only resemble a plane but also perform a rigorous set of aerial maneuvers that includes:
- Carrying a handball inside a tube.
- Executing a series of horizontal maneuvers.
- Demonstrating flight stability at both high and low speeds.
- Accurately dropping a ball onto a ground target.
- Successfully performing a takeoff and landing sequence.
The challenge is a practical lesson in aerodynamics, forcing students to master the design principles needed for varying flight conditions. With a high-powered motor and limited battery life, resourcefulness is a key component of the competition. Students are famously given the directive: you must beg, borrow, invent, acquire and buy, in that order!
The final event was a massive success, highlighting the depth of talent and passion for STEM among the students. A massive shoutout goes to all 60 participating students from four schools, five dedicated teachers, and eight volunteers who ensured the epic day ran smoothly despite the tough weather.
Congratulations once again to Team Frank for their skill, engineering ingenuity, and ability to fly under pressure!
