Aracuã AerodesignAbout the team
Our story
From our founding in 2016 to today, Aracuã Aerodesign trains engineers from Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) through the design and construction of competition aircraft.
Mission
Our mission is to foster excellence and innovation in aerodesign, empowering our members to effectively apply their knowledge of engineering, project management, resources and teamwork. Our goal is to develop cutting-edge aeronautical solutions that not only meet technical challenges but also inspire aerospace innovation.
Vision
Our purpose is to represent the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) and the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in aerodesign competitions, both in Brazil and internationally. We aim to engage and bring the aeronautical community closer, sparking interest and active participation in aerodesign. We're committed to contributing meaningfully to the advancement of aerospace technology, inspiring innovation and excellence in Dourados, in Brazil, and around the world.
Values
- Transparency and honesty in every interaction with the team, partners and sponsors.
- Dedication to the personal and professional development of team members.
- Resilience and persistence in finding solutions and overcoming challenges.
- Constant innovation and pursuit of original, creative solutions.
- Mutual respect, ethics and collaboration among team members.
- Bringing the community closer to aerospace technology and inspiring new engineers.
Timeline
From 2016 to today
Team founded
Founded in September 2016 by 5 UFGD students, under the first captain, Ana Latta. After the first selection process, still that same year, the team already had 12 members.
First aircraft assembled
In August 2018, under the second captain, Haypha Mendes, the team assembles its first aircraft — its first hands-on contact with building a complete airplane.
UFGD Extension Project
The team is officially recognized as an Extension Project of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, formalizing its institutional standing.
CSJ-2022, the first complete aircraft
After the pandemic's forced pause, the team resumes activities under captain Claudinei Júnior and finishes assembling the CSJ-2022 — it didn't take off on the runway, but it secured a spot in the competition's in-person stage.
ISA-2023 and the first AeroWeek
Under captain Isabela Barros, the team finishes the ISA-2023, its second complete project, focused on aerodynamic performance, and launches the first edition of AeroWeek, its own aeronautics extension event.
Two prototypes and the SAE Brazil debut
Under captain Maurício Andrade, the team tests the ISA-2023X and MAU-2024X prototypes — the team's first fully valid flight ever — and debuts at the national SAE Brazil AeroDesign competition, in São José dos Campos.
TES-2025 and the 15-spot jump
After an early setback, the team gets the prototype flying again and reaches its best-ever result in the competition's overall ranking.
Team active
The team remains active, developing new projects and training engineers in Dourados - MS.
Behind the scenes
The team, day to day
Community impact
Voice, visibility and extension
Technical excellence is only complete when shared. We act as a bridge between the university and society, bringing aeronautical science beyond the lab. Our journey has already been featured in interviews on TV Morena and TV RIT.
AeroWeek
An event dedicated to immersion in the aeronautical world, with workshops and talks connecting students and enthusiasts.
Open Campus
Opening the university's doors to the local school community, demystifying engineering and showing that the sky isn't the limit for those seeking knowledge.
Ponta Agrotec
Participation in the state's leading innovation fair, connecting academic technology to the regional market and building strategic partnerships with companies.