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For students in our program, joining the El Paso Sunbirds DBF team offers invaluable hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom. Participants gain practical skills in aircraft design, aerodynamics, systems integration, and project management while learning to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.

By engaging in the DBF competition, students strengthen problem-solving abilities, build leadership and teamwork skills, and prepare themselves for real-world careers in aerospace, defense, and engineering industries. This opportunity gives students a competitive edge by blending theory with application — ensuring they graduate with both technical knowledge and proven experience in innovation and design execution.

The El Paso Sunbirds are entering this year's competition with the goal of designing and constructing a high-performance aircraft that meets the specific mission requirements set forth by AIAA. Our team — composed of approximately six dedicated members including a graduate student, four upperclassmen, and one underclassman — is focused on applying engineering principles in a hands-on, competitive environment.

Guided by faculty advisor Dr. John Bird, the team operates under a student-led structure designed for efficiency and collaboration. Team Lead Evan Griffin oversees all subteams, coordinates design and testing, arranges meetings, and manages financial discussions. Assistant Lead Edgar Hernandez supports task delegation, financial planning, and acts as lead when needed.

With subteams specializing in dynamics & structures, propulsion & avionics, and manufacturing, the team's collective objective is to compete successfully while providing members with real-world engineering experience in aircraft development, teamwork, and problem-solving.