Project SISCA: Self-Launch Sailplane Utilizing Electric Driven Propulsion

Sailplanes, also known as gliders, are aircraft with no propulsion system. This project utilizes a self-launching propulsion system which are often powered by small jets, pistons, rotary or electric engines. The project requirements for an electric powered self-launching aircraft are broken into the subcategories of performance, design, manufacturing, and operation. The requirements for this design were selected from the 2023-2024 AIAA Electric Training Sailplane RFP, but not all requirements from the RFP will be applied. The design of this electric sailplane will be made up of two phases. The first phase includes the design and computations for a full-scale theoretical model. The theoretical model, with its 20 meter wingspan, will utilize computer modeling and ANSYS Fluent simulations to verify the aircraft’s performance. The second phase consists of the design, construction and flight of a test flight model. This flight model will be constructed as a scaled version, 4 meter wingspan, of the theoretical model to test the model’s configuration with a retractable propulsion system. Together, these two phases will demonstrate the validity of the aircraft’s design.

Amanda Kohne

Amanda Kohne (she/her) was born and raised in Dittmer, Missouri. She will be graduating from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering, with a minor in American Studies. She will be beginning her career as a Test and Evaluation Engineer at The Boeing Company here in St. Louis as well as continuing riding after her time on the SLU Equestrian Team.

Isabella Korzilius

Isabella Korzilius (she/her) is from St. Paul, Minnesota. She is graduating from SLU with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering, with a minor in Engineering Mathematics. Post-graduate plans include moving back to Minnesota and continuing her involvement in ultimate frisbee.

Sophia Collins

Sophia Collins (she/her) was born in Willingboro, NJ but raised in Palmyra, NE. She will be graduating from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation, Sophia seeks to find an aerospace company near her hometown to prioritize her family and community connections.

Spencer Cochran

Spencer Cochran was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 1st, 2001. He later moved to Springfield, Illinois where he has lived since he was 5. Spencer will be graduating from Saint Louis University in May with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He is currently interested in propulsion and is looking for potential job opportunities in that field.

Camilyn Newbank

Camilyn Newbanks was born in Oreana, Illinois. She will be graduating from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering Physics with a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. She is also an athlete on the Saint Louis University softball team working towards an A-10 Championship. She is interested in pursuing a potential job opportunity as a Test Flight Engineer.

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