Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The DLR Design Challenge is an annual student competition organised by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR). Launched in 2017, the competition is for students at German universities who, in teams of four to six members, develop innovative aircraft concepts based on the current state of research. The competition topic changes every year but always ties in with future-oriented aspects of aviation. Past focal topics have included firefighting aircraft, hydrogen-powered medium-haul aircraft and climate-neutral regional aircraft.

What can participants expect?

The student teams spend around four months working on their concepts. This conceptualisation process often begins with rough sketches, which gradually evolve into detailed designs. Certification requirements, sustainability and current technological trends are taken into account. In addition to the design itself, the concept development includes written documentation, the production of a presentation video and a final presentation. Once the concepts are submitted, students present them at a DLR site and defend their ideas in front of a specialist jury made up of DLR institute directors who represent a wide range of specialisations.

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How do I find out about the Design Challenge?

Design Challenge announcements are made via various channels. Usually, university departments will share information in relevant lectures or seminars. Advertising flyers may also be displayed on campus noticeboards, and details may be sent via university mailing lists.

In addition, the DLR website is updated every year and from around December onwards contains information about the upcoming Design Challenge. The challenge is also promoted in social media posts on the main DLR channel and the DLR institute channels, for example via the LinkedIn pages of the DLR Institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics and the Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology.

Who can take part?

The DLR Design Challenge is open to students at German universities, particularly those enrolled in aerospace engineering programmes, but also those undertaking engineering degrees with a link to aviation. Students at both bachelor's and master's level are eligible to participate. The main prerequisites are an interest in innovative aircraft design, the ability to work as part of a team and the willingness to dedicate time over several months to closely studying modern-day challenges of aviation – alongside their usual studies.

Participants typically form teams of four to six students, as work on an aircraft concept involves complex tasks relating to design, aerodynamics, propulsion systems and certification, which are ideally distributed among several people. Students who do not yet have a team can turn to their relevant university department to find suitable teammates in order to take part.

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How do teams sign up?

Interested students can come together as a group and officially sign up for the DLR Design Challenge through their respective department. In the case of teams spanning multiple departments, registration is carried out by the department of the team spokesperson. Once teams are registered, they will be invited to the DLR launch event, which is usually held at the DLR site in Braunschweig. The registration deadline can be found on the announcement flyers for the relevant year or in the schedule on the DLR Design Challenge website.

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How large can teams be and what skills are needed?

Each team comprises four, at most six, students. If, however, more students at one university are interested in the challenge, multiple teams from the same university can take part.

To ensure the project goes smoothly, we recommend building interdisciplinary teams covering different skills. In particular, this includes knowledge of aviation and aerospace engineering, for example in the fields of aircraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion systems and structures, as well as conceptual thinking with a focus on system understanding and technology integration. In addition, very good scientific English skills are required for writing and presenting at a high level. Just as important are organisational skills and the ability to work as a team, particularly as regards time management, reliability and taking initiative. CAD skills and the ability to visualise the concept clearly are not mandatory, but advantageous.

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What information is provided to the teams?

Teams are given a comprehensive list of the design and mission requirements, technical details and specific project descriptions. This ensures students have clear guidance for their work right from the beginning.

What's more, teams receive all essential information about what is expected of them – specifications for the scope and format of the technical report, presentation requirements and other details relevant to the submission. These materials help students to work in a structured manner, present their concept professionally and achieve the best possible result.

Furthermore, an online Q&A session is held around one month after the start of the working phase to clarify any outstanding questions.

How much support is given by teaching staff or mentors?

Teams work independently, relying on the knowledge members have gained through their studies. DLR offers mentoring support to help with specialist matters arising in the design process.

Any supervision from universities depends on the respective departments. Typically, there is an academic supervisor in place or the opportunity to speak with professors.

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How are the concepts evaluated?

Once submitted, the concepts are reviewed by a top-tier panel of expert judges. This panel comprises DLR institute directors from various disciplines and is headed by the DLR Executive Board Member for Aeronautics.

Several core aspects are factored into their decision. What is key is to have a well-developed, coherent and internally consistent overall concept that meets the stipulated requirements in the best way possible. Just as important are clear, logical arguments based on calculations or literature, the meaningful and realistic use of different technologies, and the technical feasibility of the design.

Creative and innovative ideas are expressly encouraged. The judges are looking for fresh perspectives and bold concepts intended to shape the future of aviation.

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What are the prizes?

The winning team gets the opportunity to present their concept at an international specialist conference. Any attendance fees, accommodation and travel costs will be covered by DLR (see Q11). All finalists are also given the opportunity to showcase their concepts at the German Aerospace Congress to a wide specialist audience.

Students also win by consolidating, deepening and expanding the knowledge they have acquired from their degree courses. Above all, every participating team has the unique opportunity to gain in-depth insight into aircraft design and apply, consolidate and expand on what they have learned in their studies. Students gain valuable experience, learn how different technologies come together and work as a team to develop a concept that is realistic, innovative and technologically sound. They also receive constructive feedback from DLR experts.

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In addition, teams benefit from direct exchange and networking – both among themselves and with DLR experts. They learn about DLR, obtain insights into current research projects and have the opportunity to visit different sites.

Universities and teaching staff also benefit from the Design Challenge, which offers a platform for excellent teaching and motivated students. Media attention and conference attendances raise awareness of how excellent teaching leads to innovative ideas that shape the future.

Do participants need to cover any travel costs themselves?

In principle, DLR will reimburse participants for any travel and accommodation expenses incurred.

For the kick-off and closing events, DLR invites all participating teams and supervising university staff members. This includes reimbursement of train travel (second class) and one overnight stay on the evening before the event.

For finalists participating in the German Aerospace Congress, conference fees as well as travel costs (second-class train travel and hotel accommodation) are also covered.

The first place team also gets the opportunity to present their aircraft concept at an international specialist conference. For this, conference fees and travel costs (economy-class flight and hotel accommodation) are also covered by DLR, subject to a maximum reimbursement amount per team.

Please note that reimbursement can take some time. We therefore recommend submitting travel expense claims as promptly as possible and ensuring that all required documents are submitted in full to the DLR organising team, which will be happy to provide support if you have any questions.

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In what language does the challenge take place?

All competition events are held in English. All documents to be submitted – including the report, video and presentation – must be in English.

How much time is required from students and lecturers?

The Design Challenge requires continuous commitment through the duration of the project. For students, this means blocking out time alongside their studies, which is generally manageable. Depending on prior knowledge, efficiency and motivation, student feedback suggests a commitment of around 100 hours.

For supervising lecturers, there is also a moderate additional workload, primarily related to organisational support for the teams. At the same time, the Challenge offers high educational value and can be well integrated into existing teaching and supervision concepts.

Is it worth taking part in the Design Challenge?

The short answer: Yes! As the name suggests, the Design Challenge is a competition aimed at students who are up for a demanding but truly educational challenge. In particular, students interested in aircraft design, systems thinking and teamwork very much benefit from taking part, irrespective of their ranking in the competition. The Design Challenge goes beyond traditional courses and enables in-depth, application-oriented learning.

The time investment pays off in many ways: participants benefit from putting their specialist knowledge into practice, get direct insights into current research, make valuable contacts and enhance the visibility of their own work. On top of this, there may also be the opportunity to use the project for credit points, dissertations or as a reference for future applications. Many former participants have been able to use the challenge to open doors and have found – irrespective of their team's ranking – their way into DLR as a place to work. Looking back, participants often describe the experience as a pivotal moment in their professional and personal development.