On March 13th, 2025, members of the Union Aero Team visited Trelleborg, one of our valued sponsors, to strengthen our ongoing partnership. During the visit, we delivered a presentation outlining our aircraft design process and team goals for the 2025 season.

We also engaged in a general discussion about materials and manufacturing approaches, gaining useful perspective on industry standards. The Trelleborg team provided thoughtful feedback on our presentation, and we appreciated the opportunity to share our work and represent Union’s engineering talent.

Thank you to Robert Langone, General Manager at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Albany, Inc., and the entire Trelleborg team for hosting us and supporting our journey to the SAE Aero Design competition.

Learn more about Union Aero Team’s 2025 aircraft.

Learn how to support us for the 2026 Competition.

Learn more about our Sponsors.

Learn more about Trelleborg and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us at aeroclub@union.edu.

Photo by Strahlia Devi Durr

On March 9th, 2025, Union’s Aero Team conducted its first flight test of the season. The primary goal was to evaluate the plane’s ability to take off within a short distance. The aircraft successfully lifted off within 15 feet, an exciting milestone, though the team’s ultimate target is to achieve a 10-foot takeoff distance.

Next steps include optimizing the center of gravity and reducing overall weight to enable a full, sustained flight.

Learn more about Union Aero Team’s 2025 aircraft.

Learn how to support us for the 2026 Competition.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us at aeroclub@union.edu.

Photos by Spencer Shaffer