A team of Norco College engineering students earned first place at the 10th Annual 3D Printed Aircraft Competition, hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington on July 11. Competing against 21 colleges and universities from across the country, the team outperformed institutions including Virginia Tech, Tennessee Tech, Texas A&M University, and Purdue University.
Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the students designed, manufactured, tested, and refined a primarily 3D-printed aircraft in preparation for the national competition. Judging evaluated aircraft performance, lightweight and functional design, innovation, engineering design, additive manufacturing, compliance with competition requirements, and the quality of the team's technical design report.
Representing Flight Division Norco College, the five-member team spent months researching aircraft concepts, creating computer-aided design models, selecting materials, 3D printing components, assembling the aircraft, conducting test flights, and continuously improving their design before earning the national championship.
“This year’s competition was highly competitive,” said Dr. Khosrow Rad, assistant professor of electronics and faculty advisor for the project. “I am incredibly proud of our students’ hard work, creativity, and dedication. They demonstrated exceptional technical skills and teamwork, and their achievement places Norco College among the top-performing institutions in the field.”
“We are grateful to ASNC for supporting the students’ travel to the competition. I would also like to recognize Mr. Farshid Mirzaei and Dr. Wen, faculty members who provided valuable support and guidance to the students throughout the year.”
Congratulations to the Flight Division Norco College team on this outstanding achievement and for showcasing the innovation and talent of Norco College students on a national stage.