Advanced Class develops advanced aircraft integration skills to execute precision payload delivery and recovery, leveraging concepts such as autonomous flight and flight mode transition in an all-electric aircraft. The Advanced Class mission is based around payload delivery and retrieval from a Designated Landing Zone (DLZ). The Advanced Class mission is broken down into several consecutive segments. Conventional Takeoff, Payload Release or Delivery, Payload Capture, and Return to Base (RTB). Each segment may be attempted autonomously or manually.

Team Arrow has decided to attempt the Advanced Class mission autonomously. By designing an aircraft which can transition between a drone and a fixed-wing aircraft, we can execute the Advanced Class mission autonomously. To test our challenges, for our payload we have chosen a small RC Autonomous Car.

SAE Aero Design West is a premier collegiate engineering competition where student teams design, build, and fly radio-controlled aircraft to meet specific, challenging payload requirements. Held annually by SAE International, it challenges students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world aerospace engineering, emphasizing design, reports, and flight performance. It is part of a series (alongside SAE Aero Design) that tests technical skills in Micro, Regular, and Advanced classes.