China's national university aircraft design competition opens in Zigong

The 2026 China Universities Aircraft Design Competition kicked off on Oct. 9 at the Zigong Aviation Industry Park in Sichuan province, bringing together more than 6,000 teachers and students from more than 200 universities across China. Participating schools include Tsinghua University and the National University of Defense Technology.

Hosted by the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the competition aims to cultivate talent through hands-on contests. 

It is a major national event that integrates aircraft design, fabrication and flight testing, linking classroom aerospace learning with engineering practice.

This year's competition features 12 events across three categories: fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and rockets. Tasks include logistics drones, solar-powered aircraft, short takeoff and landing, and rocket launch and recovery.

Participants are assessed through design reports, flight challenges and engineering verification, which test their design, engineering and hands-on flight skills. 

The competition also serves as a measure of how effectively universities cultivate aerospace talent.

Zigong Aviation Industry Park is the only provincial-level economic development zone in Sichuan focused on drones and general aviation. The park has attracted more than 60 key aviation companies and research institutions and has begun to build a full industrial chain covering aircraft manufacturing, component production and aviation support services. It is also a major hub for Sichuan's low-altitude economy.