SAFMC Challenge Booklet 2015 20150109

CHALLENGE BOOKLET 2015
Jointly Organised by:
Partners:
Sponsors:
SAFMC 2015 CHALLENGE BOOKLET
Page 1
Table of Contents
1.
SINGAPORE AMAZING FLYING MACHINE COMPETITION (SAFMC) 2015 .............. 6

1.1.
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 6
1.2.
CATEGORIES ........................................................................................................ 6
1.3.
FORMAT OF COMPETITION ................................................................................. 7
1.3.1.
PRESENTATION WEEK (9 13 MARCH 2015) ................................................. 7
1.3.2.
CHALLENGE WEEK (16 20 MARCH 2015) ..................................................... 8
1.4.
GENERAL RULES .................................................................................................. 8
1.5.
AWARDS ................................................................................................................ 9
1.5.1.
1.5.1.1.
CATEGORY A ..................................................................................................... 9
CATEGORY A STUDENT & OPEN CLASS ..................................................... 9
RANGE AWARD, TIME ALOFT AWARD AND PRECISION AWARD .......................... 9

BEST RANGE RECORD ............................................................................................... 9
BEST TIME ALOFT RECORD....................................................................................... 9
THEORY OF FLIGHT AWARD ...................................................................................... 9
PRESENTATION AWARD ............................................................................................ 9
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD............................................................................................. 9
1.5.1.2.
CATEGORY A TEACHER/PARENT CLASS.................................................. 10
BEST TIME ALOFT AWARD ...................................................................................... 10

1.5.2.
CATEGORY B & C ............................................................................................ 10
THE PERFORMANCE AWARD .................................................................................. 10

THE BEST AESTHETIC AWARD................................................................................ 10
THE MOST CREATIVE AWARD ................................................................................. 11
THE THEORY OF FLIGHT AWARD ............................................................................ 11
THE BEST PRESENTATION AWARD ........................................................................ 11
THE CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD .................................................................................. 11
1.5.3.
CATEGORY D................................................................................................... 12
THE BEST VIDEO AWARD......................................................................................... 12

THEORY OF FLIGHT AWARD .................................................................................... 12
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BEST PRESENTATION AWARD ................................................................................ 12

THE PERFORMANCE AWARD .................................................................................. 13
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD........................................................................................... 13
1.5.4.
CATEGORY E ................................................................................................... 13
CAT E CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD ............................................................................... 13

THE FREE-STYLE PERFORMANCE AWARD ........................................................... 13
THE RACE CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD ....................................................................... 13
THE BEST VIDEO AWARD......................................................................................... 14
THE BEST PRESENTATION AWARD ........................................................................ 14
MYSTERY AWARD ..................................................................................................... 14
2.
1.6.
PRIZES................................................................................................................. 14
1.7.
IMPORTANT DATES ............................................................................................ 16
CATEGORY A: PAPER PLANES ............................................................................... 18

2.1.
2.1.1.
2.2.
2.2.1.
2.3.
2.3.1.
RANGE CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING ..................................................... 19

PRECISION CHALLENGE.................................................................................... 21
PRECISION CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING............................................... 22
TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE .................................................................................. 24
TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING ............................................. 24
2.4.
GENERAL RULES & GAME PLAY ....................................................................... 26
2.5.
TEACHER/PARENT RULES & GAME PLAY ........................................................ 28
2.5.1.
2.6.
3.
RANGE CHALLENGE .......................................................................................... 18
TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING ............................................. 28

PAPER PLANE FOLDING REGULATIONS .......................................................... 30
2.6.1.
STUDENT CLASS ............................................................................................. 30
2.6.2.
OPEN CLASS ................................................................................................... 31
2.6.3.
TEACHER/PARENT CLASS ............................................................................. 31
CATEGORY B: UNPOWERED GLIDER ..................................................................... 33
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3.1.
CATEGORY B CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 33
3.2.
COMPETITION SETUP ........................................................................................ 33
3.2.1.
3.3.
UNPOWERED GLIDER LAUNCHER.................................................................... 34
3.4.
GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS .................................................................. 38
3.5.
COMPETITION DAY............................................................................................. 38
3.5.1.
3.6.
4.
FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION ..................................................................... 38

COMPETITION SEQUENCE & SCORING FORMAT ........................................... 38
CATEGORY C: RADIO CONTROL FLIGHT ............................................................... 42

4.1.
CATEGORY C CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 42
4.2.
4.2.1.
4.3.
4.3.1.
4.4.
5.
COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT ..................................................................... 33
COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT ..................................................................... 42

RULES ON FIXED WING PLANE OR KITE PLANE .......................................... 44
COMPETITION DAY............................................................................................. 45
4.4.1.
FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION ..................................................................... 46
4.4.2.
SCORING ......................................................................................................... 46
CATEGORY D: SEMI-AUTONOMOUS (D1) / AUTONOMOUS (D2)........................... 47

5.1.
CATEGORY D MISSION ...................................................................................... 47
5.2.
CATEGORY D CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 47
5.3.
5.4.
COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT ........................................................................ 50
Presentation Segment ............................................................................................... 50

Competition Segment ................................................................................................ 50
5.5.
5.5.1.
DIFFERENTIATION OF CATEGORY D1 & D2 ................................................. 52
5.5.2.
USE OF MAN-MACHINE INTERACTION CONCEPTS ..................................... 52
5.6.
RULES OF FLYING MACHINE ............................................................................. 52
5.7.
COMPETITION DAY............................................................................................. 53
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Flying Machine Inspection ........................................................................................ 54

5.8.
6.
SCORING ............................................................................................................. 54
5.8.1.
SMART FACTOR (S) ........................................................................................ 55
5.8.2.
AERIAL PLATFORM FACTOR (A) .................................................................... 55
5.8.3.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FACTOR (M) ........................................................ 56
5.8.4.
SAMPLE SCORING .......................................................................................... 59
CATEGORY E: UNCONVENTIONAL .......................................................................... 60

6.1.
CATEGORY E CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 60
6.2.
6.3.
6.4.
RULES ON FLYING MACHINE ............................................................................ 61
6.5.
FREE-STYLE PERFORMANCE RULES .............................................................. 62
6.6.
AIR RACE RULES ................................................................................................ 63
6.7.
PRESENTATION SEGMENT ............................................................................... 64
6.8.
COMPETITION SEGMENT .................................................................................. 66
6.9.
SCORING ............................................................................................................. 69
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1. SINGAPORE AMAZING FLYING MACHINE COMPETITION

(SAFMC) 2015
1.1.
INTRODUCTION
Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition (SAFMC) is an exciting and unique event
organised by DSO National Laboratories and Science Centre Singapore, and supported by
Defence Research and Technology Office (DRTech), Ministry of Defence. SAFMC is the
nations search for a flying wonder! Open to all schools and students who want to reach for
the sky, this annual competition promises loads of fun starting with special talks, workshops
and live demonstrations.
1.2.
CATEGORIES
Category A Primary Schools (9 12 years old), Open Class (12 years old & above) &
Teacher/Parent Class (20 years old & above) *NEW: Paper Planes
Design and fold paper planes to achieve the longest, farthest or most accurate flight
Primary Schools and Open Class:
-
Competitors are to fold 3 paper planes, each to obtain the best scores in Range, Time
Aloft and Precision Challenges respectively. Teams must attempt all challenges. These 2
classes each have different age groups and paper plane folding regulations.
Teams may join a class based on the oldest participant in the team and consist of TWO
(2) to THREE (3) members.
Teacher/Parent Class: This class is open only for individual participation. Participants will have
to fold a single paper plane to achieve the best time for the Time Aloft Challenge.
Category B Integrated Programme (IP) / Secondary Schools: Unpowered Glider

Design and build small unpowered gliders and fly them into scoring zones.
Each team should consist of TWO (2) to FIVE (5) members.
Category C Secondary Schools / IP / Junior Colleges / Institute of Technical
Education: Radio Control Flight
Design and build a small remote-controlled air platform to navigate an obstacle course.
Category D Polytechnics / Universities: Semi-Autonomous (D1) / Autonomous (D2)
Design and build a small air platform (Semi-Autonomous / Autonomous) to navigate an indoor
obstacle course
Public is allowed to participate ONLY in the Autonomous category (D2)

Category E Open: Unconventional
Design unconventional air platforms and demonstrate its flight within a confined outdoor arena.
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1.3.
FORMAT OF COMPETITION
After the Challenge Announcement on 1 November 2014, teams will work on the different
aspects of the competition, the Challenge and the Presentation.
For the Challenge aspect, teams are to design, build and fly their flying machines to
overcome different challenges for different categories of the SAFMC events. Their flying
machines will compete with one another during the challenge week.
For the Presentation aspect, besides building the flying machine, the teams are to present
their flying machine design and their learning journey in this competition to a panel of judges.
Teams are encouraged to give equal attention to both the Challenge and the Presentation
aspects of the competition.
The top team from each category will be bestowed with the championship award on the final
day of the SAFMC.
1.3.1. PRESENTATION WEEK (9 13 MARCH 2015)

During the presentation week, teams will be allocated a specific time slot to present about
their flying machine in Science Centre Singapore. Teams will present to a panel of judges
the work they have done for this competition. These teams will be assessed for a number of
awards. These include:
The Most Creative Award
The Theory of Flight Award
The Best Aesthetic Award
The Best Presentation Award
Note: Please refer to AWARDS for more information on the list of awards for each category.
The presentation week consists of the preliminary round and the final round.
After the preliminary round, outstanding teams will be shortlisted for a final round of
presentation. During the final round, teams will be allotted a specific time slot to make their
presentations to a panel of judges; with focus to the award they are being shortlisted.
Each team is given only TEN (10) minutes [FIVE (5) minutes for presentation, FIVE (5)
minutes for Questions & Answers session] for the preliminary and final rounds.
Presentations using laptops will not be allowed. Each team from all categories will be
allowed of maximum TWO (2) A1 size posters as visual aid for their presentation.
Laptops can be used as the tech-platform to showcase ONLY the flight ability of Category
C, D & E flying machines entries. These teams will need to bring their own laptop. No setup
time will be allocated and the team is expected to load and prepare the presentation slides in
the laptop before entering the presentation room.
The presentation plays an integral part for those teams who wish to vie for the SAFMC
Championship Award. Categories B to E teams are required to bring their flying machines
that they are using in the competition for their presentation. Teams that do not bring their
flying machines for the presentation will be disqualified immediately. Category A teams may
bring a model paper plane (as a visual aid) to facilitate in their presentation. However, they
are not to use any planes folded prior to the competition week during the competition.
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The Chief Referee for each category reserves the right to deduct points in each of the award
category if the flying machine used in the Challenge Week is drastically different from the
flying machine presented in the Presentation Week.
1.3.2. CHALLENGE WEEK (16 20 MARCH 2015)

Teams will spend a full day at the competition venue, Annexe Building in Science Centre
Singapore during the challenge week. They will be informed of their allocated competition
day prior to the challenge week. Teams should make sure their touch point contacts are
registered.
The only exception is for Category E. The Category E challenge will be held on 12 and/or 13
March 2015, and will be held at the open field at the Singapore Polytechnic sports complex.
Each team will be assigned a booth located within the main competition hall. The booth is
the teams pit where the team works on their flying machine.
Teams should expect the following during the course of the competition day:
The competition hall will open at 8 am. Only registered team members of the
participating teams can enter the competition hall from 8 am to 6 pm. There is a
quarantine period in the morning and in the afternoon.
As for spectators, there is a separate entrance to the spectator hall.
No trial runs will be allowed in the flying area. For categories involving wireless
transmission, all transmitting devices MUST be surrendered to SAFMC officials.
No transmitting devices, including spares, will be allowed in the competition hall.
No team is allowed to charge batteries within the competition hall. The team is
required to bring sufficient batteries for all the missions.
1.4.
GENERAL RULES
There is no limit to the number of entries from each school or organisation.
Each member can only participate in one team within a category. However, the
person can participate as a member in different categories, i.e. a person can be
a member for a team in Category B and another team in Category C but the
person cannot be a member for two teams in Category B.
Teams are allowed to take part in categories higher than their educational
standard, i.e. Primary school students are allowed to take part in Category B, C,
D or E. Secondary school students are allowed to take part in Category C, D or
E.
Members and family members of the organising committee are not allowed to
participate in SAFMC.
The organisers reserve the right to amend the rules and regulations. In the event
of any change, all teams will be informed FOUR (4) weeks prior to the start of the
competition.
Cash prize will be awarded equally to each participant in the team, while noncash prize will be restricted to one each per participant in the team. All
participants must finalise their registrations with Science Centre Singapore
by 31 January 2015.
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Note: Please refer to the respective category for more info on Presentation and
Challenge week.
1.5.
AWARDS
The judges make all scoring decisions and their decision is FINAL. For arbitrary cases, the
Chief Judge for each category will have the FINAL say.
There is no limit to the number of awards that a team can win, but there may not be a winner
for every award.
The winning flying machine will be displayed in Science Centre for public viewing during the
Award Presentation Day.
1.5.1. CATEGORY A
1.5.1.1.
CATEGORY A STUDENT & OPEN CLASS
RANGE AWARD, TIME ALOFT AWARD AND PRECISION AWARD

This award is given to the team whose plane obtains the longest distance, longest time aloft
and best precision score in their class.
The winning team from Student Class will receive a medal and a pin badge each.
The winning team from Open Class will receive cash prize.
BEST RANGE RECORD

This award is given to the team that beats the current standing Range record for Category A
since the inception of SAFMC.
BEST TIME ALOFT RECORD

This award is given to the team that beats the current standing Time Aloft record for
Category A since the inception of SAFMC.
THEORY OF FLIGHT AWARD

This award is given to the team that scores the highest in the Theory of Flight Criterion
during the presentation. This award recognises the teams knowledge in aeronautics, theory
of flight and design.
PRESENTATION AWARD
This award is given to the team that scored the highest in the Presentation Criterion during
the presentation. This award recognises the teams ability in delivering a presentation with
confidence, fluency and flair.
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD
This is the most prestigious award that a team can win. It is bestowed on the team that
embodies the spirit of SAFMC. Teams are considered for the Championship Award based
on their overall excellence and total learning experience during the course of the
competition. The table below shows the weightage of the each individual score from a team
towards the Championship Award.
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Award
Weightage
Range
20%
Time Aloft
20%
Precision
20%
Theory of Flight
20%
Presentation
20%
Total
100%
*Each score will be normalised with the highest score in the class to obtain the weightage.
Eg. Calculating Range Score for a team from Student Class:
Range Score used in
Championship Award
Team's Range Score

=
x 20%
Longest Range Score in Student Class
The winning team from Student Class will receive a trophy, a total cash prize of $300 and a
medal each.
The winning team from Open Class will receive a trophy and a total cash prize of $300 and a
medal each.
1.5.1.2.
CATEGORY A TEACHER/PARENT CLASS
BEST TIME ALOFT AWARD

This award is given to the individual that has the longest time aloft score. (Participants in this
category will only need to compete in the Challenge Week.)
The winning individual will receive a cash prize of $300.
1.5.2. CATEGORY B & C

THE PERFORMANCE AWARD
For the team that attain the highest score in the challenge. The total score from the two
scoring rounds will be used to vie for the award. In the event there is more than one team
having the same highest score after the two scoring rounds, the affected teams will have one
final challenge. For Category B, the teams will attempt to launch their glider and the team
which scores the highest points in the attempt wins The Performance Award. For Category
C, the team that takes the shortest time to perform the mission (take off, fly through
obstacles, land) wins The Performance Award.
THE BEST AESTHETIC AWARD

For the team whose flying machine that is the most artistically decorated. As it does not
contribute to flying qualities, it does not contribute to the scoring for the Championship
Award.
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THE MOST CREATIVE AWARD

For the team that shows the most innovative and original design in their unpowered glider.
Criteria
Areas of Consideration
Creativity
Unique Design or Strategy

Flair and Appearance
Functionality
THE THEORY OF FLIGHT AWARD

For the team that best demonstrates a sound understanding and appropriate application of
aerodynamic design principles, as shown by their unpowered glider.
Criteria
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics
Control & Stability
Design and Integration
Airworthiness (Category C only)
Centre of Gravity (CG) balancing

Yaw control
Pitch control
Roll control
Throttle control
THE BEST PRESENTATION AWARD

For the team that best exhibit creativity, fluency, confidence and flair in the presentation of
their team's work, and demonstrates that "WOW" factor during the interview sessions.
Criteria
Presentation
Fluency
Confidence
Flair
THE CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD

This is the most prestigious award that any team can win. It is bestowed on the team that
embodies the spirit of SAFMC. Teams are considered for the Championship Award based
on their overall excellence and total learning experience during the course of the
competition.
Award
Weightage
Performance
55%
Aesthetics
0%
Creativity
10%
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Theory of Flight
20%
Presentation
15%
Total
100%
1.5.3. CATEGORY D
THE BEST VIDEO AWARD
Top THREE (3) teams whose flying machine(s) has the most votes for video submitted will
be shortlisted as finalists. Panel of judges will choose among the finalists the most deserving
video for the best video award. As it does not contribute to flying qualities, it does not
contribute to the scoring for the Championship Award. There will be only ONE (1) video
award for the whole Category D.
THEORY OF FLIGHT AWARD

For the team that best demonstrates a sound understanding and appropriate application of
aerodynamic design principles, as shown by their flying machine. There will be only ONE (1)
theory of flight award for the whole Category D. This award will be determined during the
presentation week.
Criteria
Aerodynamics
Mechanical Design
Aerodynamics Design
Airworthiness
Flight control & stability

Yaw control
Pitch control
Roll control
Throttle control
BEST PRESENTATION AWARD

For the team that best exhibits creativity, fluency, confidence and flair in the presentation of
their team's work, and demonstrates that "WOW" factor during the interview sessions. There
will be only ONE (1) presentation award for the whole Category D and this award will be
determined during the presentation week.
Criteria
Presentation
Fluency
Confidence
Flair

This award is for the team that shows the most innovation and originality in their flying
machine. There will be only ONE (1) creative award for the whole Category D. This award
will be determined after the competition.
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Criteria
Creativity
Unique Design or Strategy

MMI concepts or tools
Autonomous concept and software design
THE PERFORMANCE AWARD

This award is for the team whose flying machine has the best mission score (M - AF) on the
flying obstacle course. There will be ONE (1) performance award each for CAT D1 and CAT
D2. These awards will be determined after the competition.
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD
This is the most prestigious award that any team can win, and is bestowed on the team that
achieves the highest Championship Score. The Championship Score consists of the Total
Score (T) and the Presentation Score as shown in the table below. It encompasses various
technical aspects such as aircraft design & interface, quality of flight control / autonomy, and
mission performance as well as delivery skills. There will be ONE (1) championship award
for each Category D1 and Category D2.
Score
Weightage
Total Score (T)
85%
Presentation Score
15%
Championship Score
100%
1.5.4. CATEGORY E
CAT E CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD
The overall championship is awarded to the team that has the highest overall score after
combining scores from the presentation and the competition segments. However, only
teams that score at least TEN (10) points in Unconventionality (see CAT E Scoring below)
will be considered. There will only be ONE (1) championship award for Category E.
THE FREE-STYLE PERFORMANCE AWARD

Awarded to the team whose flying machine scored the most overall points for Flying
Techniques and Entertainment Value. There will only be ONE (1) free-style performance
award.
THE RACE CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD

Awarded to the team whose flying machine completes the course most quickly in the air
race final. There will only be ONE (1) race championship award.
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Awarded to the team that scored the most overall in Theory, Presentation Skills and
Platform Design. The team must be awarded all FIVE (5) points under Basic Flight
Capabilities to be eligible. There will only be ONE (1) most creative award for Category E.
THE BEST VIDEO AWARD

Top THREE (3) teams whose flying machine(s) has the most votes for video submitted will
be shortlisted as finalists. Panel of judges will choose among the finalists the most
deserving video for the best video award. As it does not contribute to flying qualities, it
does not contribute to the scoring for the Championship Awards. There will only be ONE
(1) best video award for Category E.
THE BEST PRESENTATION AWARD

Awarded to the team that best exhibits creativity, fluency, confidence and flair in the
presentation of their teams work, and demonstrates the wow factor during the interview
sessions. There will only be ONE (1) best presentation award for Category E.
MYSTERY AWARD
There will only be ONE (1) mystery award for Category E, and will only be awarded to the
team that meets this mystery criteria.
1.6.
PRIZES
All winning teams for the various awards will receive a trophy and a medal each. In
addition, there will be cash prizes and prize items given out to the winners of specific
awards within each category.
The complete list of cash prizes and prize items for the various awards are listed
below. Cash prize is to be shared equally among the winning team while prize
items will be allocated a maximum quantity of (1) to each team member.
CATEGORY A
Student Class
Championship Award - Nintendo Wii Mini + $300 Cash Prize per team
Open Class
Championship Award - Samsung WB350F Camera 16 Megapixels + $300 Cash
Prize per team
Range Award $200 Cash prize per team
Time Aloft Award $200 Cash prize per team
Precision Award $200 Cash prize per team
Theory of Flight Award $200 Cash prize per team
Presentation Award $200 Cash prize per team
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Teacher/Parent Class
Championship Award *New - $300 Cash Prize
CATEGORY B
Championship Award - Xbox 360 + Kinect Console + $500 Cash Prize per team
CATEGORY C
Championship Award - Playstation 4 console + $1000 Cash Prize per team
CATEGORY D
Category D Creativity Award - $2000 Cash Prize per team
Semi-Autonomous
Championship Award - Samsung Tab 4 (8.0") LTE 16GB + $2000 Cash Prize per
team
Championship 2nd place Prize $1000 Cash Prize per team
Championship 3rd place Prize $500 Cash Prize per team
Best Performance Prize - $1000 Cash Prize per team
Autonomous
Championship Prize Samsung Tab 4 (8.0") LTE 16GB + $7000 Cash Prize per
team
(Additional trip prize)
Represents Singapore in International Flight competition
*This Championship award may not be given out if the teams do not meet the
minimum standard (eg. clearing at least 50% of circuit obstacles, skipping any
obstacle station is NOT considered as clearing) OR the competition did not meet
minimum number of teams for each category. The Chief Judge will have the FINAL
say and the decision made will be FINAL.
** The Grand Prize will only be awarded if the judging panel agrees that the platform
is suitable and competent to take part in the overseas competition. Otherwise, or
should the winning team withdraw from taking part in the overseas competition, an
alternative cash award and prize would be given instead at the organisers discretion.
Championship 2nd place Prize $3000 Cash Prize per team
Championship 3rd place Prize $1500 Cash Prize per team
Best Performance Prize - $1000 Cash Prize per team
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CATEGORY E
Championship Award - Samsung Tab 4 (8.0") LTE 16GB + $3000 Cash Prize per
team
Race Championship Award *New - $1000 Cash Prize
Best Free-Style Performance Award - $1000 Cash Prize
Creativity Prize - $2000 Cash Prize
1.7.
IMPORTANT DATES
Schedule by Category
Date
Cat
Event
Cat C Presentation Preliminaries
Cat D Presentation Preliminaries
Cat E Presentation Preliminaries
Cat E Presentation Finals
Cat C Presentation Finals
Cat D Presentation Finals
Cat A Presentation Preliminaries
Cat B Presentation Preliminaries
Cat E Challenge
Cat A Presentation Finals
Cat B Presentation Finals
*Cat E Challenge (Reserve day)
16-Mar
Cat A Challenge
17-Mar
Cat B Challenge
18-Mar
Cat C Challenge
19-Mar
D1
Cat D1 Challenge
20-Mar
D2
Cat D2 Challenge
21-Mar
ALL
Awards Ceremony
9-Mar
10-Mar
11-Mar
12-Mar
13-Mar
Presentation Week
9 to 13 March 2015 Presentation Preliminaries and Finals across all Categories
Schedule for Presentation preliminaries and Finals will be emailed to the team
manager and participants. Participants of each category should expect to be
scheduled for up to 2 days for both the Preliminaries and the Finals during this
timeframe.
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Challenge Week
12 March 2015 Category E Challenge (13 March is a reserve date in the event
there are unforeseen circumstances or heavy rain)
16 to 20 March 2015 Categories A to D Challenge
21 March 2015 Awards Ceremony
Schedule for Challenge week is as below. (Subject to change)
CHALLENGE WEEK SCHEDULE

(Subject to change)
Time
Events
8.00am
Registration at Reporting Point
8.30am
Quarantine begins at Booth Area

(Only participants are allowed in the area)
8.45am
Briefing for all teams in Flying Area
8.50am
Inspection begins
9.00am
Competition Starts
1.00pm
Quarantine ends at Booth Area
1.00pm
Lunch (Not provided)
1.45pm
Quarantine begins at Booth Area
1.50pm
Inspection begins
2.00pm
Competition Starts
6.00pm
Quarantine ends at Booth Area
6.00pm
End of Competition
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2. CATEGORY A: PAPER PLANES

2.1.
RANGE CHALLENGE
Teams are to launch their planes behind the Starting Line to obtain the best distance
score in the field below:
The details of the field are as shown below:
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2.1.1. RANGE CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING
Teams are to launch their plane behind the Starting Line onto the field.
The score (in metres) will be taken from the Starting Line to the 1st point of
contact, within the playing field, where the plane touches the ground, any
other objects (other props or netting) or the point where it flies over the
netting.
If the plane flies the maximum length of the field and hits the netting at the
field end, the maximum field length will be awarded to the team.
The distance will be taken lengthwise along the playing field.
The planes flight time will also be taken to be used as a tie breaker, if any.
The example below shows a plane hitting the net first. The range is measured from
the Starting Line to the 1st point of contact, along the edge of the field.
The example below shows a plane hitting the floor then bouncing further. The range
is measured from the Starting Line to the 1st point of contact, along the edge of the
field.
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The example below shows a plane flying over the netting and hitting the floor. The
range is measured from the Starting Line to the point where the plane flies over the
net, along the edge of the field.
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2.2.
PRECISION CHALLENGE
Teams are to launch their planes from the Starting Line to obtain the best precision
score in the field below:
The details of the field are as shown below:
Page 21
Note: Height and Size of Rings may vary in the actual day of the competition.
2.2.1. PRECISION CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING
Teams are to launch their plane behind the Starting Line into the loops.
The scores will be awarded based on the loops that the planes fly through
after leaving the participants hand till 1st point of contact, within the playing
field, where the plane touches the ground, any other objects (other props or
netting) or the point where it flies over the netting.
o
o
o
o
o
o
The first loop is worth 5 points.

The second loop is worth 15 points.
The third loop is worth 30 points.
The fourth loop is worth 60 points.
The fifth loop is worth 100 points.
The final loop is worth 140 points.
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The points are accumulative, the more loops the plane goes through, the
more points the team receives.
Points will only be awarded once for each loop.
The planes flight distance and time will also be taken to be used as a tie
breaker, if any.
The example below shows the plane going through the 1st loop, then hitting the 2nd
loop before going through it. The score is taken only from the 1st loop.
The example below shows the plane going through the 1st loop and the 2nd loop
before hitting the floor. The score is taken from the 1st and 2nd loop.
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2.3.
TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE

Teams are to launch their planes from within the Playing Field to obtain the longest
time aloft score in the field below:
2.3.1. TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING
Teams are to launch their plane from within the Playing Field.
The score (in seconds) will be taken from the time when the plane leaves the
participants hand till the time when the plane first touches the field, any other
objects (netting) or when the plane leaves the field.
In the event of a tie, the tied teams are to do a fly-off, to compete amongst
each other again for the best score, to break the tie.
Page 24
The example below shows the plane launched and flying till hitting the floor. The
score is taken from launch till impact on the floor.
The example below shows the plane launched and flying till hitting the net then
bouncing to the floor. The score is taken from launch till impact on the net.
Page 25
2.4.
GENERAL RULES & GAME PLAY
Teams are not allowed to bring in paper planes, books, manuals, notes, drawings
or any material, printed or electronic, related to folding instructions or paper plane
competitions. Teams may be checked for illegal items and must be ready if asked
to do so.
Teams will be given a total of SIXTY (60) minutes to create THREE (3) paper
planes, one for each challenge. The playing field will be opened for trials during
this period.
Only one participant from each team will be allowed to use each playing field.
Participants are to queue to use the field. Each participant will be given ONE (1)
minute to test their plane before being asked to re-queue.
Towards the end of the SIXTY (60) minutes, the playing field will be closed and
teams must submit their planes to the SAFMC officials for it to be stored in a box.
The officials will inspect the planes to ensure all the regulations are met. Any
planes that fail the inspections will be given FIVE (5) minutes to rectify the
problem. Failure to meet this may end in the teams disqualification from the
challenge.
Teams must complete the THREE (3) paper planes and attempt the trials at the
playing field within SIXTY (60) minutes. No extension of time will be given.
The planes will be quarantined till the teams are called up again for the challenge.
When the challenges start, teams will be called upon and 2 participants are to
report at the Reporting Point to collect their plane for the specific challenge. 1
participant will throw the plane and the other will retrieve the plane, upon the
referees signal. Each challenge may be attempted twice, and the best score will
be taken.
Each challenge consists of TWO (2) attempts and both must be completed within
THREE (3) minutes. The best score will be taken for each team.
Only one plane can be used for each challenge. A single plane cannot be used for
different challenges.
Teams may not modify the Launch Area, Starting Line, any props or the Playing
Field.
Upon the Referees signal, the challenge will start. The participant may launch the
plane.
All planes must be launched within the Launch Area (2m X 10m) and behind the
Starting Line (Range and Precision Challenge) or the Playing Field (Time Aloft
Challenge).
Each paper plane must be launched by hand and unaided (not using slingshots,
elastic bands or any forms of launchers) by one participant.
Participants must be physically in the Launch Area provided for each category
from the start of the attempt to launch until the finish of the launch (when the
participant let go of the paper airplane).
Page 26
The participant may run up, fast walk or jump up when launching the paper
airplane. Participants must not jump/step out of the Starting Line even when the
Paper Airplane is released from the participants hands (Range and Precision
Challenge).
o If there are violations to the launch rule, it will be considered a failed attempt
and the scores/points gained will not be recorded.
At the end of the challenge, the Referee will complete the score sheet and the
participant must sign on it to acknowledge the score.
Any team disagreeing with any of the Referees decisions and wishing to appeal
must inform the Referee after the challenge and before leaving the playing field
area.
The Chief Referee may call for a re-attempt if necessary. However, the following
are not valid reasons to call for a re-attempt:
o Participants launch technique.
o Any deviations in the playing field setup, within the declared margins.
Teams must heed the instructions of the referees during the game play.
Any teams found in violation of rule(s) may forfeit the challenge and be awarded
zero points or may be disqualified from the competition. Multiple violations by the
team may result in the school to be disqualified from the competition.
The SAFMC Category A Chief Referee has the final say on all rules and
regulations.
The Chief Referee and Referees will not review any form of recording at any time
during the competition.
Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may be disqualified

from the competition. Multiple violations by the team may result in the school
being disqualified from the competition.
o The Centre reserves the right to protect its staff from any abuse.
Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about challenge or rules before the
start of the competition.
Teams may use the diagram below as reference on the approximate location of
the playing field with respect to the competition venues ceiling height.
Page 27
2.5.
TEACHER/PARENT RULES & GAME PLAY

2.5.1. TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING
Participants are to launch their plane from within the Playing Field.
Participants are given 3 attempts within 3 minutes. The best score among the
3 attempts will be recorded.
All other General and GamePlay Rules applies.
The score (in seconds) will be taken from the time when the plane leaves the
participants hand till the time when the plane first touches the field, any other
objects (netting) or when the plane leaves the field.
In the event of a tie, the tied teams are to do a fly-off, to compete amongst
each other again for the best score, to break the tie.
Page 28
The example below shows the plane launched and flying till hitting the floor. The
score is taken from launch till impact on the floor.
The example below shows the plane launched and flying till hitting the net then
bouncing to the floor. The score is taken from launch till impact on the net.
Page 29
2.6.
PAPER PLANE FOLDING REGULATIONS
All paper planes must be made according to the rules below for each class. The SAFMC
Category A Chief Referee has the final say on all rules, regulations and the paper plane
design compliance.
2.6.1. STUDENT CLASS
Each paper plane must be made at site during the competition with one
SAFMC Official Paper. Each paper is a standard A4 (297x210mm), 80GSM.
a.
Each team will be given THREE (3) sheets of paper of different colours
by the SAFMC Officials on the day of the challenge. Teams are not
allowed to use their own paper.
i. Range challenge will use a Pink coloured paper.
ii. Precision challenge will use a Blue coloured paper.
iii. Time Aloft challenge will use a White coloured paper.
b.
Teams may exchange a used sheet of paper for a new one. However,
the entire sheet of paper must be returned to obtain a new one (portions
for the paper cannot be missing).
c.
A paper plane for a challenge must not be created by various coloured

papers.
Teams are allowed to fold, cut or tear the paper to create the plane. Any
portion of the paper that was cut and detached may be reattached.
Teams are not allowed to make a plane from more than one sheet of paper.
Teams are allowed to use glue from glue sticks on the plane, a standard
UHU Stick.
a.
Each team will be given ONE (1) glue stick by the SAFMC Officials on
the day of the challenge. Teams are not allowed to use their own glue.
All paper planes may not be made from any other material except for the
materials provided by the SAFMC Officials on the day of the challenge.
Teams must write their team number and team name on all their planes. The
number and name must be clearly visible to the SAFMC Officials.
Teams are allowed to use stationeries (scissors, rulers, pen, etc) and other
tools (hair dryer) during the competition to create the paper plane.
All paper planes must reasonably resemble a fixed wing structure. A crushed
paper does not qualify as a paper plane and it will not be allowed in the
competition.
Teams must create their paper planes in a safe manner (no running with
scissors, throwing paper clips at others, etc). Any teams behaving or using a
method of building which is deemed unsafe by the SAFMC Officials may be
disqualified.
Page 30
The colours of the papers may change on the day completion. However, the
weight of the papers and size will remain the same.
2.6.2. OPEN CLASS
Each paper plane must be made at site during the competition with one
SAFMC Official Paper. Each paper is a standard A4 (297x210mm), 80GSM.
a.
Each team will be given THREE (3) sheets of paper of different colours
by the SAFMC Officials on the day of the challenge. Teams are not
allowed to use their own paper.
i.
ii.
iii.
Range challenge will use a Pink coloured paper.

Precision challenge will use a Blue coloured paper.
Time Aloft challenge will use a White coloured paper.
b.
Teams may exchange a used sheet of paper for a new one. However,
the entire sheet of paper must be returned to obtain a new one
(portions for the paper cannot be missing).
c.
A paper plane for a challenge must not be created by various coloured

papers.
Teams are allowed to only fold the paper to create the plane. No cutting,
tearing, gluing, stapling, sticking, etc is allowed.
Teams must create a paper plane entirely from one sheet of paper.
papers provided by the SAFMC Officials on the day of the challenge.
Teams must write their team number and team name on all their planes. The
number and name must be clearly visible to the SAFMC Officials.
Teams are allowed to use stationeries (rulers, pen, etc) and other tools (hair
dryer) during the competition to create the paper plane.
competition.
Teams must create their paper planes in a safe manner (no running with
scissors, throwing paper clips at others, etc). Any teams behaving or using a
method of building which is deemed unsafe by the SAFMC Officials may be
disqualified.
The colours of the papers may change on the day completion. However, the
2.6.3. TEACHER/PARENT CLASS
The paper plane must be made at site during the competition with one
SAFMC Official Paper.(Standard A4, 297x210mm, 80GSM)
Page 31
a.
Participants will be given ONE (1) sheet of paper by the SAFMC

Officials on the day of the challenge. Participants are not allowed to
use their own paper.
i. Time Aloft challenge will use a White coloured paper.
b.
Participants may exchange a used sheet of paper for a new one.

However, the entire sheet of paper must be returned to obtain a new
one (portions for the paper cannot be missing).
Participants are allowed to only fold the paper to create the plane. No cutting,
tearing, gluing, stapling, sticking, etc is allowed.
Teams must create a paper plane entirely from one sheet of paper.
paper provided by the SAFMC Officials on the day of the challenge.
Participants must write their name on their plane. The name must be clearly
visible to the SAFMC Officials.
Participants are allowed to use stationeries (rulers, pen, etc) and other tools
(hair dryer) during the competition to create the paper plane.
competition.
Participants must create their paper planes in a safe manner (no running with
scissors, throwing paper clips at others, etc). Any participant behaving or
using a method of building which is deemed unsafe by the SAFMC Officials
may be disqualified.
The colours of the paper may change on the day completion. However, the
Page 32
3. CATEGORY B: UNPOWERED GLIDER

3.1.
CATEGORY B CHALLENGE
The team is expected to design and build a small unpowered glider (of limited wingspan) to
be bungee-launched from a designated launcher into scoring zones.
3.2.
COMPETITION SETUP
Figure 3.1 shows the competition setup for Category B.
Figure 3.1: Competition Setup of Category B
3.2.1. COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT

All teams shall go to the Reporting Point for allocation of their team
booth and to obtain the competition schedule for their teams.
At the allocated competition schedule, the team shall report to the

Inspection Point. A flying machine inspector will check the unpowered
glider for any violation with the category rules and regulations and also
ensure that all obstructions or equivalent that might hinder the launch
are removed.
After inspection, the unpowered glider will be quarantine in a Holding

Area prior to the launch of the glider. The SAFMC referee will get the
teams ready for the next launch.
During the launcher setup, the team will place, hook and draw back
the unpowered glider on the launcher via the bungee cord before
releasing the glider for launch. The position and orientation of the
launcher will be fixed by the SAFMC officials and cannot be adjusted
by the team. Each team is given a total of THREE (3) minutes to setup
and launch their unpowered glider.
There will be TWO (2) scoring rounds for teams to score points. The
scoring rounds will not be consecutive, and will be in different sessions.
Page 33
3.3.
After the launch of the unpowered glider, teams are advised to return
to their respective team booth. The team is allowed to repair or make
simple modification to the glider before the next scoring round.
UNPOWERED GLIDER LAUNCHER

The unpowered glider launcher for the challenge is shown in Figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2: Unpowered Glider Launcher

The launcher consists of the platform, resistance band and two upright poles. The
resistance band will be wrapped around and secured to the two upright poles at both
ends and it will act as a bungee cord for launch of glider. The launcher will be placed
on a table of height 0.75m. The dimensions and angle of inclination of the launcher is
shown in Figure 3.3.
During launch of the glider, teams will hook their glider on the resistance band and
draw back the glider to the designated line marked on the platform as shown in
Figure 3.4. The hook position from the glider will be used as a reference when the
glider is being draw back to the marked line on platform. Upon tension to the marked
line, the total tension force will be 5kgf. The diameter of the resistance band used will
be around 15mm.
Each team is required to incorporate a hook or slot onto the underbelly of their glider
No adapter plates will be provided by the organiser, hence teams will need to
design and fabricate their own hook attachment or incorporate a slot design in their
overall glider design. Illustration of examples of hook attachment and slot is shown in
Figure 3.5.
Page 34
Figure 3.3: Unpowered Glider Launcher Platform Dimensions
Figure 3.4: Unpowered Glider Launcher launching line
Page 35
It is the responsibility of the team to ensure that the hook or slot design on the glider
is sturdy enough to withstand the tension force of bungee cord without giving way
when the glider is being drawn back to the launching position. The team must also
ensure that in the design of the glider, there are no components of the glider that
come into contact with the launcher at any time during the launch.
Figure 3.5: Examples of hook attachment and slot
Teams are also strongly encouraged to fabricate and build their own launcher for
practice prior to the competition. Teams can improvise and build their own test
launcher based on following guidelines:
(1) Tables, boxes or poles can be used together as the test launcher platform.
(2) Exercise resistance band that can be purchased from any sports retail shop
can be used as the bungee cord for launcher. Figure 3.6 shows a typical
exercise resistance band that can be used.
(3) Tie both ends of exercise band to the poles or table legs.
(4) Mark out the launching position by using a pocket balance to pull on the
middle of the bungee cord till it reads 5kg on the balance scale. Figure 3.7
shows a pictorial illustration.
(5) Ensure the angle of inclination is kept at 12 degrees anti-clockwise *(revised)
from horizontal and the launch tension is to be 5kgf.
Page 36
Figure 3.6: Typical exercise resistance band
Figure 3.7: Marking launching position of 5kgf tension force using pocket balance
NOTE: Teams are to use the official launcher build by the organiser on
competition challenge day and teams are not allowed to use any parts
of their own build launcher during the competition
Page 37
3.4.
GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS
Each team is to design and build ONE (1) unpowered glider based on the
following guidelines:
All parts of the glider must be fabricated by the teams. Kits or off-the-shelf models or
parts, i.e. servo motor, receiver, transmitter are not allowed.
The glider must have a wing span of between 0.75m and not more than 1.25m.
The glider design must incorporate a hook or slot at the base of glider that allows the
glider to be hooked onto the bungee cord of launcher and be capable of being draw
back to the marked line to be launched. Teams must ensure the hook or slot is sturdy
enough to withstand the tension force of bungee cord without giving way when the
glider is being drawn back before launching.
No balloon and airship design will be allowed. No gaseous substance lighter than air
will be allowed.
Each participating team is allowed to bring TWO (2) identical gliders for the challenge
in the competition hall.
Any teams caught using significantly different unpowered gliders for the two scoring
rounds shall have the better result VOID. The Chief Referee shall have the FINAL say
in cases of unforeseen situations, i.e., glider is damaged during first scoring round
and major design changes are required to be conducted on the damaged glider to
avoid such damages on the second scoring round.
3.5.
COMPETITION DAY
3.5.1. FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION
3.6.
Before each launch, a flying machine inspector will measure the wing span of
both gliders.
The inspector will also place the unpowered glider onto the launcher (in the
inspection area) to ensure that all obstructions or equivalent that might hinder
the launch are removed and also check whether the glider is able to withstand
the tension force of bungee cord without giving way at a drawn back position.
In the event the flying machine fails the inspection, the team is given FIVE (5)
minutes to rectify the problem. If the team is unable to rectify the problem
within the given timeframe, that attempt will be declared as VOID.
COMPETITION SEQUENCE & SCORING FORMAT

The competition floor will be segregated into different scoring zones with
respective allocated scores for each zone as shown in Figure 3.8. The
dimensions of the floor layout and scoring zones is shown in Figure 3.9
Page 38
Figure 3.8: Floor layout with scoring zones and respective allocated scores
Page 39
Figure 3.9: Dimensions of competition scoring zones
Page 40
Teams will place their glider onto the launcher platform and hook on to the
bungee cord before drawing back the glider to the designated launching line.
Teams will release their glider for launch whenever they are ready. Teams will
be given up to THREE (3) minutes to launch the glider and they are to adhere
to the instructions given by referees during launching.
After the unpowered glider is launched, the first contact of the glider with
the landing zone will be the landing spot (assuming the glider remains intact).
a. In the event that the glider breaks into pieces or drops any loose parts during the
flight, the landing spot will be taken to be the glider part contact point.
A team member will accompany the referees to determine the landing spot of
the glider after the launch.
Teams will be awarded the score allocated to the scoring zone where the
landing spot of glider is determined to be.
If the glider landing spot falls on the intersection lines between various scoring
zones, the highest score of the affected scoring zones will be awarded.
The total score from the two scoring rounds will be taken to vie for The
Performance Award.
For Second Scoring Round only
Teams will be given an opportunity to score bonus points in the second

scoring round
An object will be placed at the centre of scoring zone of the teams choice.
Teams will launch their glider as per normal.
Teams with gliders that hit the object will be awarded TWO (2) times the
allocated score of the scoring zone which the object is placed at. A hit is
awarded when the first contact point of the glider is on the object.
Teams with gliders that do not score a hit on the object but manage to have
the landing spot of the glider within the same scoring zone will be awarded the
score allocated to the scoring zone where the landing spot is determined to
be.
Teams with the landing spot of the glider falling outside the scoring zone
where the object is placed will be awarded HALF (1/2) of the score allocated
to the scoring zone where the landing spot is determined to be.
It will be at the teams own discretion and decision to go for the bonus
points opportunity. Teams will need to inform the referees of their decision
of opting for the bonus point opportunity before launching their glider in the
second scoring round.
Teams that do not opt for the bonus points opportunity will be awarded scores
as per normal for second scoring round, ie. score allocated to the scoring
zone where the landing spot is determined to be.
The referees make all scoring decisions and their decision is FINAL. For arbitrary
cases, the Chief Referee will have the FINAL say.
Page 41
4. CATEGORY C: RADIO CONTROL FLIGHT

4.1.
CATEGORY C CHALLENGE
The team is expected to design and build its own radio-controlled fixed wing plane or kite
plane to fly and maneuver through a series of obstacles.
4.2.
COMPETITION SETUP
Figure below shows the competition setup for Category C while the runway area is 3m x 4m.
x
1.5
m
1.5
x
1.5
Loop
B
m
1.5
Loop
A
2m
2m
Runway
x5
x5
4m
10 m
3m
15 m
Competition Setup of Category C

The fixed wing plane or kite plane is required to perform the following mission.
Mission
a.
Takeoff or hand launched from the designated runway area.
b.
Challenge is to fly through the two hula hoops in sequence and

perform as many flying rounds through these loops.
c.
Land back onto the designated runway area successfully.
4.2.1. COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT

All teams shall go to a Reporting Point for allocation of their team

booth as well as the competition schedule for their teams. The team
shall surrender the radio control transmitter of the flying machine and
will be placed in a box provided by SAFMC to be quarantined at the
Storage Point.
At the allocated competition schedule, the team shall report to the

Inspection Point. A flying machine inspector will check the flying
machine for any violation with the category rules and regulations. The
box with the transmitter will be handed over to the team if the
Page 42
inspection is successful. After inspection, the flying machine will be

quarantined in a Holding Area prior to the mission attempt.
At the Holding Area, as long as the frequency does not clash with
frequency of the flying machine inside the flying area, the SAFMC
referee will hand over the transmitter back to the team to conduct
Airworthiness and Failsafe check on the flying machine. The team is
also given a total of THREE (3) minutes for the final adjustment on the
flying machine prior to mission, after which the transmitter will be
switched off and quarantined in the box again.
Prior to the mission, the radio control transmitter will be handed back
to the team. Each team is given a total of ONE (1) minute to setup
their flying machine inside the flying area. In the event that the team is
not ready to take off after one minute, the team will be asked to leave
the flying area. The team is given one more chance to execute the
attempt, failing which they are deemed to have scored zero for that
attempt.
Team must setup failsafe capability in the R/C transmitter. The team
must inform Chief Referee of the location of the failsafe switch. When
failsafe is activated, the electric motor shall switch off. The failsafe
capability will be demonstrated in the holding area prior to actual flight.
For the Mission, a total of TWO (2) attempts will be given to the team.
(i)
The first attempt is conducted in the morning, while the second

attempt is conducted in the afternoon.
(ii)
Teams are encouraged to fly their own flying machine. In the

event that they choose not to fly it themselves, the SAFMC
2015 committee may randomly appoint a SAFMC pilot to fly the
machine. The committee and the appointed pilot shall NOT be
responsible for the outcome or the conditions of the plane. For
fairness, if the plane is not flown by a member of the
participating team, the marks awarded will be capped at 20% of
the score in that attempt. For example, if the appointed pilot
scored 50 points, the team will be awarded only 10 marks.
(iii)
5 points will be deducted if the plane takes off by hand launch,
(iv)
There will be no penalty if the plane touch the ground or hit any
object.
(v)
The team must re-launch outside of the pole 5m x 5m

parameters, will be allowed for each attempt. If the plane falls
inside the 5m x 5m parameters of the poles, the plane must be
taken outside of the parameters for a re-launch.
The team is given THREE (3) minutes to complete each attempt. The
start of an attempt is defined as the ability of the flying machine to
perform rolling takeoff from the runway area or takeoff from anywhere
inside the flying area. The completion of the attempt is defined as:
a. When the flying machine lands back on the runway, or
b. Touches the floor of the flying field and could not take-off again or
hand-launch again, or
c. Hits the safety net or barrier and could not resume flight, or
Page 43
d. Exceeds THREE (3) minutes flight time.
4.3.
Once the time limit is up, the pilot will have to land their aircraft
regardless of whether they have completed. Time taken to clear circuit
will be recorded as a yardstick for judges to decide a winner in the
event of a tie-situation.
No repairs are allowed within the given attempt.
At the end of each attempt, the radio control transmitter of the flying
machine must be switched off immediately, placed back into the box
and surrendered to the SAFMC referee.
After the completion of the first attempt, teams are advised to return to
their respective team booth before their next attempt. The team is
allowed to repair or make modification to the flying machine without
the transmitter in preparation for the next attempt.
Each team is to design and build a radio-controlled flying machine based on

the following guidelines:
a.
Most parts of the fixed wing plane or kite plane must be fabricated by
the teams. No kits or off-the-shelf flying models are allowed.
b.
The fixed wing plane or kite plane must be radio controlled by off-theshelf radio systems.
c.
Only electric flight is allowed. Both brush and brushless motors are
allowed. No modification to the motors is allowed.
d.
No internal combustion or gasoline engines will be allowed.
e.
Teams are strongly encouraged to bring their fixed wing plane or kite
plane during presentation and show a short video clip of their model
plane flying capability. Teams are to submit TWO (2) photos of sized
4R during the presentation. Teams will NOT be allowed to make major
changes to their flying machine after the presentation. Non-compliance
may lead to disqualification.
f.
Each participating team will be allowed to bring up to TWO (2)

IDENTICAL fixed wing planes or kite plane into the competition hall.
4.3.1. RULES ON FIXED WING PLANE OR KITE PLANE

Physical
a.
No Vertical Takeoff Landing (VTOL) flying machine is allowed. All

flying machines must conduct rolling takeoff at designated runway
area on the flying field.
b.
Minimum Dimensions: Length (400mm) x Width (500mm)
c.
Maximum Dimension : Height (500mm)
d.
The flying machine must not exceed a maximum all-up weight (AUW)
of 500 grams.
Page 44
Battery
a.
There is no limit on the number of batteries used, in series or parallel.
b.
Only Lithium Polymer (Li-Po), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) or Nickel

Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries is allowed.
R/C Radio
a.
Based on guidelines from Infocomm Development Authority of

Singapore (IDA), the following R/C frequency ranges are
recommended: 29.700 30.000MHz. 2.4GHz R/C systems are also
allowed for this competition.
b.
Team must register their R/C frequency with SAFMC officials prior to
the challenge week.
c.
Team must be able to demonstrate the failsafe capability in their R/C

transmitter. When failsafe is activated or when there is a loss of link
between the R/C transmitter and the R/C receiver on the aircraft
(demonstrated by switching off the transmitter), the electric motor must
be switched off. The Chief Referee and Safety Officers reserve the
rights to request the R/C pilot to activate failsafe if they deemed the
fixed wing plane or kite plane is uncontrollable in flight and poses
safety concerns.
Speed Controller
a. Only Electronic Speed Controller is allowed.
Servo
a. Only standard R/C servos are allowed. There is no limit on the number of
servos used.
4.4.
COMPETITION DAY
The organizer will not be responsible for any damage to the flying machine
throughout the competition.
No team is allowed to have any radio control transmitter (including backup) in the
competition hall. All radio control transmitters are to be surrendered to the referee.
Non-compliance may lead to any scores earned in the presentation segment to be
voided.
No radio control transmitter is to be turned on within the competition hall, unless

permitted to do so in the Holding and Flying Area. Non-compliance may lead to
disqualification.
No team is allowed to charge batteries within the competition hall. Non-compliance

Teams shall make sure their representative contacts are contactable and must be
present at their team booth FIFTEEN (15) minutes before the allocated time.
Latecomers may be disqualified.
The pilot is ONLY allowed to walk in the designated Pilot's Area when piloting.
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4.4.1. FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION
Before each launch, a flying machine inspector will take dimensions and
weigh the flying machine.
In the event the fixed wing plane or kite plane fails the inspection, the team is
given THREE (3) minutes to rectify the problem. If the team is unable to rectify
the problem within the given timeframe, that attempt will be declared as VOID.
4.4.2. SCORING
Scores will be awarded to the team based on the sum of all points allocated to tasks
successfully completed by the flying machine during the flying circuit in each
attempt. There will be a PENALTY of FIVE (5) points for each touch (anywhere) in
the flying area.
Flying Tasks
Allocated Points
Mission
Proper roll take-off from the designated

runway area, or
10 points or
Hand Launch from designed take-off
5 points
Fly through the center of Loop A
10 points
Fly through the center of Loop B
10 points
Proper landing onto the designated

runway area
No. of completed rounds (In sequence
through Loop A and then Loop B)
10 points
1 point per cycle
(a maximum of 15 cycles)
Flown by a SAFMC 2015 appointed pilot
Yes / No
Total of allocated points (Lowest
score is zero)
20% of the score if flown by a
SAFMC 2015 appointed pilot
(Max = 55 points )
Final Score
The better score between the two attempts will be taken to vie for the Best Performance
Award.
The referees make all scoring decisions and their decision is FINAL. For arbitrary cases, the
Chief Referee will have the FINAL say.
How can we make the 2016 SAFMC
Cat C more fun? Share with us on
Twitter. Tweet:
#safmc2016catc [Your message]
Page 46
5. CATEGORY D: SEMI-AUTONOMOUS (D1) / AUTONOMOUS (D2)

5.1. CATEGORY D MISSION
The CTA (Counter Terrorist Agency) has received positive intelligence on a hidden weapon
storage facility in a remote region. The mission is to infiltrate the facility through a circular
exhaust vent and place a target marker for the air strike group, followed by capturing a
piece of vital information and deciphering it before the mission is over. Stealth and
Swiftness are paramount mission success as it is limited to a timeframe of 10 minutes.
Should you choose to perform the mission, please read further for the information gathered
by our intelligence. Be warned however, that the intelligence is not perfect there may be
some ambiguities!
5.2. CATEGORY D CHALLENGE

Teams will be required to design and build a small flying machine or modify or enhance a
commercial-off-the-shelf product (COTS product) that is capable of flying either semiautonomous or fully autonomous. The flying machine should also be capable of completing a
series of tasks in a complex environment.
Note: For teams modifying or enhancing a COTS product, the machine MUST be able to
hold and release the designated payload (a ball).
5.3. COMPETITION SETUP

The competition setup for both Category D1 & D2 are the same, which is shown Figure 5.1.
Figure 5.1: CAT D Competition Setup (Isometric View)
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For both CAT D1 and CAT D2, the flying machine is required to perform the following
ELEVEN (11) tasks and the Task 12 is only applicable to CAT D2. These tasks are
illustrated in Figure 5.1:
1. Take off - The challenge is to perform take-off from the designated platform.
2. Fly through circular window - The challenge is to fly through the circular window
without hitting the wall or damaging the flying machine. The diameter of the circular
window is 1.5 meters.
3. Avoid the fan - The fan is blowing at the flying machine, which may cause
disturbance. The challenge is to avoid the fan while exiting the circular window.
4. Clear the obstacle panels with mirror patches - The flight path between location 2
and 4 is blocked by two panels, but the gaps between these panels are sufficient for
the flying machine to fly through. The challenge is to fly in between the panels
without losing orientation, so as to reach location 4.
5. Release payload - After clearing the obstacle panels, the flying machine needs to
find the desired dropping location and release a payload during flight on a target with
3 rings whose height are 0.5m and diameters are 0.5m, 1.0m and 1.5 m respectively
(as shown in Figure 5.2). The flying machine must remain airborne at all times, and
the exact location of the target is unknown. The payload is a golf ball of 42.7mm
diameter with a weight of approximately 50g, and will be provided to the team prior to
the challenge.
6. Fly through the door with plastic chain curtain - The door towards the next room
is blocked with a plastic chain curtain and the gap between two adjacent chains is
around 20cm. The challenge is to fly through this door without damaging the flying
machine.
7. Capture Information - The information (text is at least 10cm in height) to be
captured by the flying machine is shown on the LCD screen on the table. This
information is a target location in the format of latitude and longitude coordinates and
it is to be shown on a map to the judge at the end of the challenge.
8. Fly through 1.5m x 1.5m window - The challenge is to leave the room through the
1.5m x 1.5m square window without damaging the flying machine.
9. Clear the array of poles - There is an array of poles to be cleared before the flying
machine can reach the safe landing zone. The poles are equally spaced in the 3-4-3
formation as shown in Figure 5.1 and the distance between two adjacent poles is
1.5m. The challenge is to clear this array of poles without hitting any pole. Penalty
will be given for hitting each pole.
10. Precision landing - The challenge is to perform precision landing within a given
space, denoted by an elevated landing deck of 1.0m (L) x 1.0m (W) x 0.1m (H). The
exact location the landing deck is unknown. No points will be given for landing
outside the landing deck. For Cat D1, the landing can be Kinect-assisted or manual
RC. For Cat D2, the landing needs to be autonomous.
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11. Show target location on a map - The information obtained in task 7 is a target
location and this location is to be shown on a map. The points for task 7 will be given
only if the target location can be shown on a map.
12. Present obstacle layout (Cat D2 only) - By completing the above mission, the flying
machine may have gathered sufficient information on the obstacle layout. The
challenge here is to display the flight path of the flying machine together with the
encountered obstacles on the ground control laptop. This information is to be shown
to the judge.
Figure 5.2: Dimensions of the Target Setup (Measurement in metres)
The points for completing the above tasks are explained in Section 5.8 shown in Table 5.1.
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5.4. COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT

There will be a presentation segment and a competition segment.
PRESENTATION SEGMENT
During the presentation segment, teams are required to:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Submit TWO (2) photos of sized 4R during the presentation.

Declare their mode of flight (semi-autonomous / autonomous).
Bring the actual flying machines for a visual inspection and weighing
Prepare a video presentation clearly showing that the platform is flight capable.
Prepare an oral presentation describing the platforms
Size, form factor
Mechanical design and aesthetical design
Aerodynamic design
Electronics design (i.e.: explaining choice of sensors)
Software design, in particular describing how their proposed semi-autonomous/
autonomous concept will work.
Teams will NOT be allowed to make major changes to their flying machine design after the
presentation. Non-compliance may lead to any scores earned in the presentation segment to
be VOIDED.
COMPETITION SEGMENT
Teams shall be expected to comply with the following during the competition segment:
All teams shall proceed to the Reporting Point for allocation of their team booth as well
as the competition schedule for their teams. The team shall surrender their radio control
transmitter, datalink transceiver, video receiver and any other wireless device used to
communicate with the flying machine. These will be placed in a box provided by SAFMC
to be quarantined at the Storage Point. If the video transmitter on the aircraft (or a
camera with an integrated transmitter) is powered through a separate battery, this
battery (and any other spare batteries) shall also be placed in the box and quarantined at
the Storage Point.
At the allocated competition schedule, the team shall report to the Inspection Point. A
flying machine inspector will check the flying machine for any violation of the category
rules and regulations. The box with the transmitter and all wireless system will be
handed over to the team if the inspection is successful.
The box will remain sealed and shall not be opened by the team. After inspection, the
flying machine will be quarantined in a Holding Area prior to the mission attempt.
At the Holding Area, as long as the frequency does not clash with frequency of the flying
machine inside the flying area, the SAFMC referee will hand over the transmitter back to
the team to conduct Airworthiness and Failsafe check on the flying machine. The team is
also given a total of THREE (3) minutes for the final adjustment on the flying machine
prior to mission, after which the transmitter will be switched off and quarantined again.
Prior to the mission, the radio control transmitter, datalink transceiver, video receiver and
any other wireless device for the flying machine will be handed back to the team. Each
team is given a total of FIVE (5) minutes to setup their flying machine inside the flying
area.
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Team must setup failsafe capability in the R/C transmitter. The team must inform the
Chief Referee of the location of the failsafe switch. When failsafe is activated or when
there is a loss of link between the R/C transmitter and the R/C receiver on the aircraft
(demonstrated by switching off the transmitter), the electric motor shall be switched off.
The failsafe capability will be demonstrated in the holding area prior to actual flight.
Each team will only be given TWO (2) attempts during the competition and a total of TEN
(10) minutes per attempt to perform the mission. The TEN (10) minutes start after a
maximum of FIVE (5) minutes setup time, regardless of whether the setup has been
completed. Any extra setup time needed will be accounted for as part of the TEN (10)
minutes mission time. Once the time limit is up, the pilot will have to land their aircraft
regardless of whether they have completed. Time taken to clear circuit will be recorded
as a yardstick for judges to decide a winner in the event of a tie-situation. During each
attempt, competitors can retry the circuit as many times as possible, but only the score
and timing of the last attempt will be recorded.
The team is allowed to repair their flying machine if it crashes during the flight. However,
the repair time will be accounted for as part of the TEN (10) minutes mission time. After
the repair, the team may: continue on its circuit if there is still flight time available, or
terminate the flight and scores given before the crash will be used to determine the final
score for that attempt.
At the end of each attempt, the radio control transmitter, datalink transceiver, video
receiver and any other wireless device for the flying machine will be switched off, placed
back into the box and surrendered to the SAFMC referee.
After the completion of the first attempt, teams are advised to return to their respective
team booth before their next attempt. The team is allowed to repair or make
modifications to the flying machine without the transmitter in preparation for the next
attempt.
5.5. GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS
Each team is to design and build a flying machine based on the following guidelines:
i.
Off-the-shelf products and components are allowed in the competition.
ii.
For safety considerations, the total weight of the flying machine cannot exceed
2.0kg (CAT D1) or 3.5kg (CAT D2)*. This includes the weight of the payload.
iii.
The flying machine must transmit video back to the ground station.
iv.
Only electric flight is allowed. Both brushed and brushless motors are allowed.
No modification to the motors is allowed.
v.
vi.
No tethering or umbilical wires are allowed during flight.
vii.
No external aids such as markers, indicators etc. are allowed.
viii.
For safety considerations, the platform must be able to perform full RC manual
pilot over-ride on demand.
*Note: for CAT D2 heavier flying machines will be disadvantaged in scoring (please see
Section 5.8 for more details).
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5.5.1. DIFFERENTIATION OF CATEGORY D1 & D2

For CAT D1, RC take-off and landing are allowed in the semi-autonomous mode. The team
can choose to have a pilot to fly by video or have a forward operator to perform line of sight
non-joystick control flight when clearing the obstacle course. The landing operator can only
make use of gesture based control devices, voice commands and hand glove device to
control the platform to land on the designated platform (e.g.: Microsoft Kinect). No joysticks,
keyboards, touchpads or touch screen devices are allowed for the forward operator or the
landing operator. The landing operator is not allowed to guide the pilot in controlling the
platform.
For CAT D2, the pilot needs to inform and demonstrate to the judges that they are switching
from RC mode to autonomous mode after the take-off. Note that clearing of obstacles has to
be only in AUTONOMOUS mode for Category D2.
5.5.2. USE OF MAN-MACHINE INTERACTION CONCEPTS

Teams may choose to demonstrate the innovative use of Man Machine Interaction (MMI)
concepts and tools (i.e.: use of laptops as a ground control station, use of Wii controllers,
voice commands, etc). Points contributing to SMART factor will be only given during the
competition segment if the team is able to demonstrate the man-machine interaction
concepts in flight:
Innovative control of their flying machine
Effective communication between forward operator and base
Efficient use of telemetry
5.6. RULES OF FLYING MACHINE

Avionics System
i.
There is no limit on the number of gyros used in the flying machine.
ii.
There is no limit on the number of onboard flight computers used in the flying
machine.
Battery
i.
There is no limit on the number of batteries used, in series or parallel.
ii.
Only Lithium Polymer (Li-Po), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) or Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries is allowed.
R/C Radio
i.
Based on guidelines from Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), the
following R/C frequency ranges are recommended: 26.96 - 27.28 MHZ and 29.700 30.000 MHz
ii.
The organiser understands the proliferation of 2.4 GHz R/C systems and will allow its
use for this competition. However, the organiser shall bear no responsibilities for any
loss of control of flying machine due to radio frequency interference. The team is
advised to conduct a radio control range check prior to flight.
iii.
Team must register their R/C frequency with SAFMC officials prior to the challenge
week.
iv.
In any mode of flight, the team must be able to demonstrate the failsafe capability in
their R/C transmitter. The electric motor must switch off when failsafe is activated or
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when there is a loss of link between the R/C transmitter and the R/C receiver on the
aircraft. The Chief Referee and Safety Officers reserve the rights to request the R/C
pilot to activate failsafe if they deemed the flying machine is uncontrollable in flight
and poses safety concerns.
Datalink / Videolink
i.
Only the RF frequencies approved by IDA are allowed for datalink and videolink:
26.96 27.28 MHz @ 100mW e.r.p.
34.995 35.225 MHz @ 100mW e.r.p.
40.665 40.695 MHz @ 500mW e.r.p.
40.77 40.83 MHz @ 500mW e.r.p.
72.13 72.21 MHz @ 500mW e.r.p.
433.05 - 434.79MHz @ 10mW Effective Radiation Power (e.r.p.),
2.4000GHz - 2.4835GHz @ 200mW e.r.p.
5.150GHz - 5.350GHz @ 200mW e.r.p.
5.150GHz - 5.350GHz @ 200mW e.r.p.
5.725GHz 5.850 GHz @ 1000mW e.r.p
ii.
Please refer to the Spectrum Management Handbook on IDA website for the latest
approved range of frequencies.
iii.
Team must register their datalink and videolink frequency including e.r.p. with
SAFMC officials prior to the challenge week.
Other wireless link types
i.
Wireless wifi routers will be allowed in this competition. Participants may choose to
bring their own wireless routers, or use one that will be provided.
ii.
Setup of external wireless device/s for purpose of performing autonomous flight is
allowed.
5.7. COMPETITION DAY

The organisers of SAFMC 2015 will not be held responsible for any damage to the
flying machine throughout the entire competition.
No team is allowed to possess any radio control transmitters, datalink transceivers and
video receivers (including backup) in the competition hall. All radio control transmitters,
datalink transmitters and video receivers are to be surrendered to the referee. Noncompliance may lead to disqualification.
No radio control transmitters, datalink transmitters and video transmitters and receivers
are to be switched on within the competition hall, unless permitted to do so in the Holding
and Flying Area. Non-compliance may lead to disqualification.
No team is allowed to charge batteries within the competition hall. Non-compliance

Teams shall make sure their touch point contacts are contactable and must be present at
their team booth FIFTEEN (15) minutes before the allocated time. Latecomers may be
disqualified.
The pilot must be stationed at the designated Pilot's Area when piloting the aircraft. All
other team members except the forward operator must be stationed outside the arena.
Any violation of the rules will result in penalties imposed.
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FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION
Before each launch, a flying machine inspector will check the flying machine for
compliance with Rules and Regulations.
The flying machine inspector will check the weight and condition of the SAFMC supplied
payload. The payload may be replaced with a new one if it differs too much from the
SAFMC supplied payload. The payload MUST be carried on the vehicle, regardless of
whether an attempt will be made to clear the release payload challenge.
In the event the flying machine fails the inspection, the team is given FIVE (5) minutes to
rectify the problem. If the team is unable to rectify the problem within the given
timeframe, that attempt will be declared as VOID.
5.8. SCORING
There is a total of Three (3) scoring components, and each of the scoring components (S, A,
M) has a maximum value of 100 points.
The Total Score (T) is the weighted sum of individual scoring components comprising the
Smart (S), Aerial Platform (A) and Mission Accomplished (M) factors, which are
corrected using the Autonomy (AF) and Weight (WF) factors (WF only for CAT D2).
Figure 5.3: Breakdown of scoring
The weightage of the scoring components are listed as follows:

Factor Name
Percentage Weightage
Smart Factor
15% weightage
Aerial Platform Factor
30 % weightage
Mission Accomplished Factor
55 % weightage
Total
100%
Table 5.1: Scoring weightage
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Further details on the scoring and factors are provided in subsequent sections.
For CAT D1, the total score T is computed as
For CAT D2, the total score T is computed as
5.8.1. SMART FACTOR (S)

The Smart factor (S) is a measure of the teams ability to leverage on MMI tools and
concepts, Teams are not required to implement this; however doing so will score additional
points. Scoring will take place over the course of the presentation segment and the
competition segment. Competitors will be ranked and given scores relative to other teams.
Criteria for scoring are as follows:
Control inputs to platform

-
Innovative approaches to controlling the

platform and onboard camera, resulting
in more intuitive control.
Overall reduction of the pilots workload

(ie: able to control the platform using 1
button rather than 10 buttons, use of
forward operator to clear obstacles)
Displaying telemetry information to pilot

-
Able to demonstrate a more effective

means of communicating information to
the pilot, improving situational
awareness.
Table 5.2: Smart Factor criteria for scoring
5.8.2. AERIAL PLATFORM FACTOR (A)

The Aerial Platform factor (A) will be awarded based on the ability of the teams to
demonstrate the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
Mechanical and aesthetical design

a. Quality of fabrication, workmanship
b. Platform weight
c. Lower points for usage of commercial off the shelf products
Aerodynamic design
a. Centre of gravity placement
b. Design factors affecting platforms flight stability, responsiveness and
controllability
c. Lift Enhancement to carry more payload
Electronics design
a. Explanation of choice of sensor suite for the given environment
b. Explanation of choice of embedded computer / microprocessor
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iv.
Software design, in particular describing how their proposed semi-autonomous /

autonomous concept will work.
a. Explanation of effectiveness of semi-autonomy/ flight control strategy
b. Explanation of how semi-autonomous design was translated into software
c. Explanation of effectiveness of autonomy strategy
d. Explanation of how autonomous design was translated into software
e. Lower points will be given for unreferenced use of open-source code. Teams
should reference the use of open source codes where it is used.
Scoring will take place over the course of the presentation segment and the competition
segment. Competitors will be ranked and given scores relative to other teams.
For CAT D2 ONLY, the Aerial Platform factor (A) component will be multiplied by a Weight
Factor (WF), which is calculated as
This WF will be multiplied to the overall Aerial Platform factor (A) score in calculating the
total score (T). For example, if a platform weighs 3kg and scores 80 points in A, WF = 0.5,
and the weighted A component in T would be 0.30 x 80 x 0.5 = 12.
5.8.3. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FACTOR (M)

The Mission Accomplished factor (M) will be awarded to the team based on the sum of all
points allocated to tasks successfully completed by the flying machine during the flying
circuit. The best total of two attempts will be taken to vie for the Best Performance Award.
In the event of a tie in number of points and if both teams complete the entire mission, the
team that completes the mission in a shorter time will be given a higher ranking. A team that
completes the mission will be awarded a higher ranking than another team which has the
same amount of points but without completing the mission.
List of Tasks
Points
1) Take off
2) Fly through 1st circular window
3) Avoid the fan
4) Clear the obstacle panels with mirror patches
5) Drop the ball at the desired location
15
(1 point deduction each time the
flying machine hits the wall; maximum
of 15 point deduction)
10, 15, 20
(depending on zone (see Table 5.4
and Figure 5.4)
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6) Fly through the door with plastic chain curtain
7) Read lat-long location from the monitor
8) Fly through 1.5m x 1.5m window
5
10
(1 point deduction each time the
flying machine hits the pole;
maximum of 10 point deduction)
9) Clear the array of poles
10) Precision landing
10
11) Show target location on a map to judge
10
12) Present obstacle layout (CAT D2 only)
10
(10 points will be given for free for
CAT D1)
Table 5.3: Scoring of tasks for Mission Accomplished Factor

Zone 3
Zone 2
Payload
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
50 g
20 points
15 points
10 points
Zone 1
Table 5.4: Scoring of points for different drop zone for task 5
Figure 5.4: Illustration of different drop zone for task 5
*Note: A maximum of 15 points will be deducted from respective task(s) if there is human
intervention for that certain task inside the challenge area. THREE (3) points will be
deducted for each intervention. Human intervention is defined as team member(s) going into
the challenge area to fix / tune / align / repair / assist their flying machine.
For BOTH CAT D1 and CAT D2, the Mission Accomplished component of the scores are
affected by penalties based on the autonomy of the flying machine.
For CAT D1, the penalties are as follows:
CATEGORY D1
PENALTY
Realistic factor penalty will be given for use of

external markers or aids that are placed in the
arena. (The enemy will not allow you to place
markers/ aids in their base beforehand!)
Deduction of 1 point per aid

(maximum of 10 points deduction)
Table 5.5: Mission penalties for CAT D1
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For CAT D2, the penalties are as follows:

CATEGORY D2
PENALTY
Point penalty will be given for operator input to

the aircraft via CGS or RC transmitter.
Deduction of 1 point per input/correction

Fully autonomous, operator has his/her hands

off throughout the entire mission.
No deduction
Realistic factor penalty will be given for use of

external markers or aids that are placed in the
arena. (The enemy will not allow you to place
markers/ aids in their base beforehand!)
Deduction of 1 point per aid

Table 5.6: Mission penalties for CAT D2

These sum of these penalties, known as the Autonomy Factor (AF) will be deducted from
the total of the Mission Accomplished factor (M).
For example, if the flying machine accrues a Mission Accomplished factor score M = 80, but
incurs penalties amounting to AF = 10, the weighted M component contributing to the total
score T would be 0.55 x (80-10) = 38.5.
The referees will make all scoring decisions and their decision is FINAL. For arbitrary cases,
the Chief Referee will have the FINAL say. Unreasonable arguments with the judges will
result in points lost.
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5.8.4. SAMPLE SCORING

Two examples of the scoring system for CAT D2 are provided for clarity. Scoring for CAT D1
is similar except that there is no WF included, and an example is included in Example 2.
Example 1: Heavy platform that does well in mission
Platform Weight = 3kg
Smart Factor (S)
70
Aerial Platform Factor (A)
65
Mission Accomplished Factor (M)
85 (completed most of mission)
Autonomy Factor (AF)
2 (aids/operator input)
Weight Factor (WF)
0.5
For CAT D2,

T = (70 x 0.15) + (0.30 x 65 x 0.5) + (0.55 x (85-2))
T = 65.9
Example 2: Lightweight platform that does average in mission
Platform Weight = 1.5 kg
Smart Factor (S)
60
Aerial Platform Factor (A)
70
Mission Accomplished Factor (M)
60 (completed some of mission)
Autonomy Factor (AF)
5 (some use of aids)
Weight Factor (WF)
0.8
For CAT D1 (WF not applicable),

T = (60 x 0.15) + (0.30 x 70) + (0.55 x (60-5))
T = 60.25
For CAT D2 (WF applicable),
T = (60 x 0.15) + (0.30 x 70 x 0.8) + (0.55 x (60-5))
T = 56.05
Table 5.7: Sample scoring for various platform weights and mission performances
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6. CATEGORY E: UNCONVENTIONAL
6.1.
CATEGORY E CHALLENGE
Teams are required to use their creativity and innovation to design and build unconventional
platforms that are required to complete both of the following challenge segments listed
below:
Challenge 1: Free-style flight demonstration
Each team will fly an unconventional platform in a free-style demonstration to

entertain and wow the audience and the judges.
Challenge 2: Air Race
Teams will compete against each other in an air race to vie for the best timing.
Both challenges will constitute a portion of the score obtained on competition day.
6.2.
COMPETITION SETUP
Both CAT E events, the free-style demonstration and the air race, will be held at the sports
field in Singapore Polytechnic, as shown in the figure below. All flying machines are required
to fly within the Flying Arena at all times, and below the height limit of 20 m.
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6.3.
6.4.
Competition is open to public, except members and family members from the
organising committee.
Pilots must be registered team members.
Off-the-shelf model flying machines are not allowed, unless they are significantly
modified. Participants are encouraged to design and build their unconventional
flying machines.
The flying machine should be significantly different from conventional
configurations in order to score well in the competition as the design factor
constitutes a significant portion of the overall scoring. If the team is unsure
whether their flying machine design is unconventional, please check with the
organisers1 way before the competition.
Only electric flight is allowed. Both brush and brushless motors are allowed.
Only fully radio-controlled flying machines are allowed.
No flammable substances are allowed to be carried on-board the flying
machine(s).
No external launching platforms are allowed but can be launched with any other
method as long as they are deemed safe by the judges/referee (e.g. handlaunched or ground take-off).
For both the free-style performance and the race, all flights are to remain within
the Flying Arena and below the height limit of 20 m.
Each team will only be judged on ONE (1) flying machine, although the team may
opt to bring along another identical flying machine as a backup.
RULES ON FLYING MACHINE

Weight and Dimensions
The total weight of each flying machine must be between 0.6 kg and 2 kg.
All flying machines should not exceed 1.6 m in length in any direction.
For any flying machine with fixed wing lifting surfaces, a minimum dimension of
0.8m is required in at least two perpendicular directions (e.g. wingspan and
longitudinal length). Please check with the organisers if you are not sure what
constitutes a fixed wing lifting surface.
There is no minimum dimension required for other platforms (e.g. multicopters,
ornithopters etc.).
Propulsion System
Each flying machine may have up to FOUR (4) propellers and FOUR (4) motors.
The total maximum power of the motor(s) is 250W. This should be supported by
manufacturer specifications that are labeled on the motor(s).
For the free-style performance, there is no limit on the number of batteries used.
For the air race, the maximum number of cells allowed is THREE (3) with a
maximum voltage of 12.6 V. Between the free-style demonstration and the air
Please email safmc@science.edu.sg for any enquiries.
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race, teams will be given ample time to reconfigure their flying machines to
comply with this requirement.
R/C Radio
a. Only 2.4 GHz R/C systems are allowed.
b. The organisers shall bear no responsibilities for any loss of control of flying
machine(s) due to radio frequency interference. The team is advised to conduct a
radio control range check prior to flight.
c. Teams must register their R/C frequency with SAFMC officials prior to the
challenge week.
d. The team must be able to demonstrate the failsafe capability in their R/C
transmitter(s). When failsafe is activated:
i.
Electric motor shall be switched off
ii.
For flying machines with conventional control surfaces, elevator shall be
deflected max up, aileron max right, rudder max right.
iii.
For flying machines with unconventional control surfaces, the control
surfaces shall be deflected in a way which will induce a stall and spin to
terminate its flight within the shortest possible time.
e. The safety officer/referee reserves the right to activate failsafe if they deem that
the flying machine is uncontrollable in flight, posing safety concerns, or flying out
of bounds.
6.5.
FREE-STYLE PERFORMANCE RULES
The flying machine(s) is/are required to do the following within the flying arena:
a. To perform within the area of the Flying Arena and below the height limit of
20m.
b. To wow the audience with flying manoeuvres and stunts
c. Timing will start once the pilot(s) has/have acknowledged the main referee in
that area
Only ONE (1) flying machine will be judged for platform design and flight
capabilities but up to TWO (2) additional flying machines may be flown during the
free-style showcase for entertainment value (i.e. a maximum of three flying
machines at any one time). These additional flying machines must also each
comply with the flying machine restrictions described in Section 6.4: Rules on
Flying Machine.
Teams will have up to TEN (10) minutes to showcase their flying machines flight
capabilities, with no limit on the number of attempts. However, time taken for
every attempt will be accounted for as part of the TEN (10) minutes.
The flying machine(s) is/are allowed to perform any stunt during the performance
as long as it is deemed safe by the judges and the referee.
Teams are allowed to bring their own props to help showcase their flying
machines performance, but should seek clearance from the organisers early.
The flying machine(s) is/are NOT allowed to fly beyond the Flying Arena at all
times.
If the flying machine(s) were to land outside the Flying Arena, the team will not be
allowed to continue the attempt.
Page 62
6.6.
AIR RACE RULES
The flying machine is required to complete EIGHT (8) laps and end on the finish
line i.e. each flying machine will pass each pylon EIGHT (8) times, and finish
when it passes Pylon 1 for the 9th time a total of 25 pylon passes. There will be
a time limit of TEN (10) minutes for completion of the course.
The distances between the pylons are approximately shown in the figure above.
Actual distances will not be larger than what is indicated.
The race is a single attempt competition. Each team will only fly in one heat,
unless they qualify for the final race.
Due to safety considerations, a team will only be allowed to participate in the air
race if good pilot control and general airworthiness is demonstrated during the
free-style segment. The final decision will be made by the referee.
Teams should pay attention to comply with the height limit of 20 m.
Up to THREE (3) teams will compete in one heat at the same time, and each
team will have their race timing recorded. In the heats, the order of finish is
inconsequential. Only the race timing is considered in scoring and in selection of
the finalists.
The THREE (3) teams with the fastest race timings will qualify for the final race.
The final race will determine the race champion, but timings from the final race
will not be considered in scoring. Scoring is solely based on race timings from the
heats.
Page 63
6.7.
Up to TWO (2) team members are permitted to prepare the flying machine for
launch at the starting line. ONE (1) team member may launch the platform. After
which, all team members, except the pilot, should return to the waiting area
immediately.
No external launching platform is allowed.
To receive credit for a lap, the pilot must fly such that the entire flying machine is
outside of each pylon when it passes the pylons. If the flying machine does not
clear a pylon corner unambiguously, a cut penalty is incurred. Each of these
penalties will result in a time addition to the overall time clocked by the team.
THREE (3) cut penalties automatically result in disqualification.
During the race, if any flying machine is deemed by the chief referee to be flying
in a way that is malicious to other participating teams (for example, intentionally
causing mid-air collisions) the team will be immediately asked to land and
possibly be disqualified. Any intentional sabotage will result in immediate
disqualification.
In the event of crashes involving only one flying machine, the other flying
machines will proceed to complete the race and have their time recorded. The
flying machine involved in the crash will not receive a score as this is a oneattempt event. If the flying machine contacts the ground, it will not be allowed a
second attempt at take-off. Its extent of completion of the course up to that point
will be recorded. Otherwise, if the flying machine is able to remain airborne, it
may continue to complete the course after the collision.
In the event of a mid-air collision between two or more flying machines, the
referee will decide which teams will be allowed a second attempt, depending on
whether any intentional sabotage was involved as well as the airworthiness of
each teams flying machine or the availability of a backup flying machine.
In the event of a mid-air collision between two or more flying machines, teams
should continue their attempt if possible, as long as the flying machines are still
airborne. If the flying machine(s) have hit the ground, teams should not attempt to
take off again.
After the round, the referee will decide which, if any, teams will be allowed a
second attempt, depending on whether any intentional sabotage was suspected
as well as the airworthiness of each teams flying machine or the availability of a
backup flying machine. If a team accepts a second attempt that is granted to
them, the previous result will be voided.
PRESENTATION SEGMENT
Page 64
Each team will be given FIFTEEN (15) minutes for presentation (A maximum of
TEN (10) minutes to present, and FIVE (5) minutes for Q&A)
During the presentation segment, teams are required to:
a. Submit TWO (2) colour photos (size 4R) of their flying machine(s) during the
presentation
b. Declare the type of R/C system the team is using and register the R/C
frequency
c. Bring the actual flying machine(s) for visual inspection
d. Prepare a presentation to explain the design and innovation behind the
design of the flying machine(s), and the challenges faced and how it was
addressed
e. Demonstrate understanding of the platforms flying capabilities by listing the
strengths and weakness in flight manoeuvres for their flying machine(s) (e.g.
a particular platform may be exceptional at flips but weak at performing rolls)
f. Prepare a video presentation to showcase the flight capability of the
design(s). Teams may upload their videos online and stand to win the Best
Video Award.
On the presentation day, the judges and organisers will inspect the flying
machines to check if they are safe for flight. If deemed unsafe, the teams will
have until competition day to rectify the problem.
No major changes are allowed to the flying machine(s) design after the
presentation, unless they are deemed unsafe during the inspection. Any changes
must be declared to the organisers. Non-compliance may lead to VOID of
presentation scoring.
Page 65
6.8.
COMPETITION SEGMENT
The organisers will not be responsible for any damage to the flying machine(s)
throughout the competition. Decisions made by the judges and referee are absolute
and final.
Teams shall expect the following during the course of the competition day:
Pre-competition Checks and Inspection
All teams are to register at the allocated Reporting Point within the first hour of
the competition, prior to flights.
Teams are required to perform their own checks within the first hour.
Failsafe capability must be setup in the R/C transmitter(s). When failsafe is
activated or when there is a loss of link between the R/C transmitters(s) and the
R/C receivers(s) on the aircraft(s) (demonstrated by switching off the
transmitter(s)), the electric motor shall be switched off. The failsafe capability will
be demonstrated in the holding area during the inspection.
Teams will be called in sequence to the Inspection Point. The judges and
organisers will check the flying machine(s) for any violation of the category rules
and regulations. During which, teams will go through safety checks with the
organisers and must inform the referee on the location of the failsafe switch.
In the event the teams flying machine(s) fails the inspection, the team must
rectify the problem within the ONE (1) hour setup time allocated before flight
start. If the team is unable to rectify the problem within the allocated time, the
attempt will be declared as VOID.
The transmitter(s) will then be handed over to the organisers once the inspection
is successful.
All teams transmitters (main and backup) will be quarantined before the start of
flights.
Page 66
Flying Arena Rules
Non flying teams are not allowed to have any R/C transmitter (including backup)
in the Flying Arena. No R/C transmitter is to be turned on within the Flying Arena,
unless permitted to do so.
Teams are only allowed into the designated Pilots Area when it is their turn to fly.
No team is allowed to charge batteries within the Flying Arena. A dedicated
battery charging area with a limited number of power outlets will be provided on a
first come first serve basis. Teams using LiPo batteries are required to charge
them in LiPo-safe charging bags. No charging of LiPo batteries will be allowed
otherwise.
Free-style Flight Competition Conduct
Teams shall make sure they are contactable and must be present at their team
booth FIFTEEN (15) minutes before the allocated time. Latecomers may lead to
disqualification.
Each team will be called in sequence to do their performances. Prior to each
mission, the transmitter(s) will be handed back to the flying team.
Each team is given a total of TWO (2) minutes to setup their flying machine(s)
and props inside the Flying Arena.
There will be no limit in the number of attempts. However, time taken for every
attempt will be accounted for as part of the TEN (10) minutes. Teams can choose
to stop their performances anytime within the TEN (10) minutes timeframe.
The teams are allowed to repair their flying machine(s) if it crashes during the
flight. However, the repair time will be accounted for as part of the given TEN (10)
minutes, After the repair, the team may
o Continue with flight
o Terminate the flight and scores given before the crash will be used to
determine the final score for that attempt.
At the end of each performance, the R/C transmitter(s) for the flying machine(s)
will be switched off and surrendered to the SAFMC referee.
The air race will take place only after all teams have completed their free-style
performances.
Page 67
Air Race Competition Conduct
Teams will be rostered into a series of heats and each team will be allocated a
time for which preparations for their heat will begin.
Teams shall make sure they are contactable and must be present at their team
booth FIFTEEN (15) minutes before this allocated time. Latecomers may be
disqualified.
Prior to each heat, the transmitter will be handed back to the flying team.
Before the race begins, TWO (2) minutes will be reserved for the participating
teams to set up their flying machines in their respective allocated lanes. After the
flying machines are prepared and lined up, only one member may remain at the
starting line as a launch assistant (if necessary). Pilots should be in the pilot bay
before the two minutes are up.
On command, teams will have FIFTEEN (15) seconds to start their motors and
get ready for launch. Flying machines should either be in contact with the ground
and/or with the launch assistant for the full duration of this time, until the launch
signal is given.
A FIVE (5) second countdown followed by a final GO signal will be given which
indicates the start of the race. Any team that launches before the signal is
allocated a cut penalty. After launch, the assistant should return to the waiting
area.
If the flying machine does not clear a pylon corner unambiguously, a cut penalty
is incurred.
THREE (3) cut penalties automatically result in disqualification.
After the course is completed, pilots should land their flying machines in the field
as soon as possible, in a manner that does not disrupt the other flying machines
completion of the course. Pilots may only leave the pilot bay when all flying
machines have landed.
Bad Weather
In the case of bad weather (lightning or heavy rain), the competition will be put on
hold until the weather clears up. However, in case of light rain or drizzle,
continuation of the competition will be dependent on the referees decision.
Teams should be prepared to fly in light rain conditions.
In the event of sustained bad weather throughout the competition day, the
organisers reserve the right to cancel the remaining flights for the day. The
scores that were given to the teams before the rain will be voided and the
championship award will not be presented. In this case, awards will only be
presented based on scoring on the presentation day.
Page 68
6.9.
SCORING
All CAT E teams will be scored out of 100 points, with a maximum of 50 points
from the presentation segment and a maximum of 50 points from the
competition segment. The complete breakdown is as follows:
CAT E Overall
100%
Presentation
50%
Theory
10%
Presentation
Skills
10%
Competition
50%
Platform
Design
30%
Free-style
35%
Flying
Techniques
15%
Entertainment
Value
20%
Air Race
15%
Completion
8%
Timing
7%
Presentation Day Scoring
All CAT E teams presentations will be scored to a maximum of 50 points by the

criteria shown below.
Criteria
Maximum score
Theory
10
Presentation Skills
10
Platform Design
30
Total
50
The breakdown for the criteria is as follows:

o Theory (each component has equal weightage)
Aerodynamics Knowledge of aerodynamics used in design
Control & Stability Knowledge applied in control and stability of
unconventional platform
Flight Knowledge to enable flight of unconventional platform
Overall understanding of platform Overall understanding of theory and
techniques in application
o Presentation skills (each component has equal weightage)
Creativity Creativity of the presentation format/approach/idea
Fluency Flow of the presentation in terms of content and delivery
Confidence The confidence level of presenters
Flair Showmanship of the team
Page 69
o Platform design
Unconventionality
The degree to which the flying machine

shows a significant departure from
conventional platform designs
20
Overall design and

integration
Choice, sizing, placement and usage of

platform components in relation to the
overall theme of the platform
Creativity in design
process
Innovations to incorporate the control

surfaces and propulsion elements into
the design
Teams need to score at least 10 points in Unconventionality to be eligible

for the championship prize.
Competition Day: Free-style Performance Scoring
The free-style segment will be evaluated in two categories:

Criteria
Maximum score
Flying Techniques
15
Entertainment Value
20
Total
35
The breakdown for the free-style performance scoring criteria is as follows:

o Flying Techniques
Under Basic Flight Capabilities, teams will be awarded either all or none of the
points for each task. Only teams that score all FIVE (5) points in Basic Flight
Capabilities will be eligible for the air race. For the free-style bonus, teams will
be awarded up to TEN (10) points through demonstration of superior flight
capabilities and/or any other amazing stunts.
Criteria
Basic Flight
Capabilities
No. of Points
Lift Off
Control landing
Maintain straight level flight
Ability to perform basic directional change
Page 70
Free-style
Bonus
Demonstration
of
exceptional
flight
capabilities or any other amazing stunts
that push platform to edge of its flying
envelope
10
o Entertainment Value
Creativity/uniqueness of performance
Ability to attract the attention of judges and crowds
Overall entertainment and wow factor
Competition Day: Air Race Scoring
The score received will be dependent on completion of the course and the race
timing (after it has been corrected to account for cut penalties).
After all the races have been completed, all race timings will be consolidated
and ranked from the shortest time to the longest time.
For completion of the course, each team will receive 8 points. A complete
course consists of 25 pylon passes, thus teams that do not complete the course
within the time limit of TEN (10) minutes will be given a fraction of this 8 points,
based on the number of pylons they successfully pass (pylons that are cut will
not be considered):
For teams that complete the course, the additional 7 points are then determined
by the individual race timing, T. The fastest timing of the whole cohort, T 1, will
receive the maximum of 7 points, while the median race timing, T med, will
correspond to 3.5 points. The race timings will then be scaled linearly using
these two reference points.
There will be no negative points i.e. teams that are very slow will just not receive
any points from the time-scaled portion.
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CHALLENGE BOOKLET 2015

Jointly Organised by:

SAFMC 2015 CHALLENGE BOOKLET

SINGAPORE AMAZING FLYING MACHINE COMPETITION (SAFMC) 2015 .............. 6

FORMAT OF COMPETITION ................................................................................. 7

PRESENTATION WEEK (9 13 MARCH 2015) ................................................. 7

CHALLENGE WEEK (16 20 MARCH 2015) ..................................................... 8

GENERAL RULES .................................................................................................. 8

RANGE AWARD, TIME ALOFT AWARD AND PRECISION AWARD .......................... 9

CATEGORY A TEACHER/PARENT CLASS.................................................. 10

BEST TIME ALOFT AWARD ...................................................................................... 10

CATEGORY B & C ............................................................................................ 10

THE PERFORMANCE AWARD .................................................................................. 10

THE BEST VIDEO AWARD......................................................................................... 12

SAFMC 2015 CHALLENGE BOOKLET

BEST PRESENTATION AWARD ................................................................................ 12

CAT E CHAMPIONSHIP AWARD ............................................................................... 13

IMPORTANT DATES ............................................................................................ 16

CATEGORY A: PAPER PLANES ............................................................................... 18

RANGE CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING ..................................................... 19

GENERAL RULES & GAME PLAY ....................................................................... 26

TEACHER/PARENT RULES & GAME PLAY ........................................................ 28

RANGE CHALLENGE .......................................................................................... 18

TIME ALOFT CHALLENGE RULES & SCORING ............................................. 28

STUDENT CLASS ............................................................................................. 30

OPEN CLASS ................................................................................................... 31

TEACHER/PARENT CLASS ............................................................................. 31

CATEGORY B: UNPOWERED GLIDER ..................................................................... 33

SAFMC 2015 CHALLENGE BOOKLET

CATEGORY B CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 33

COMPETITION SETUP ........................................................................................ 33

UNPOWERED GLIDER LAUNCHER.................................................................... 34

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS .................................................................. 38

FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION ..................................................................... 38

CATEGORY C: RADIO CONTROL FLIGHT ............................................................... 42

CATEGORY C CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 42

COMPETITION SETUP ........................................................................................ 42

COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT ..................................................................... 33

COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT ..................................................................... 42

FLYING MACHINE INSPECTION ..................................................................... 46

CATEGORY D: SEMI-AUTONOMOUS (D1) / AUTONOMOUS (D2)........................... 47

CATEGORY D MISSION ...................................................................................... 47

CATEGORY D CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 47

COMPETITION SETUP ........................................................................................ 47

COMPETITION ARRANGEMENT ........................................................................ 50

Presentation Segment ............................................................................................... 50

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS .................................................................. 51

DIFFERENTIATION OF CATEGORY D1 & D2 ................................................. 52

USE OF MAN-MACHINE INTERACTION CONCEPTS ..................................... 52

RULES OF FLYING MACHINE ............................................................................. 52

SAFMC 2015 CHALLENGE BOOKLET

Flying Machine Inspection ........................................................................................ 54

SMART FACTOR (S) ........................................................................................ 55

AERIAL PLATFORM FACTOR (A) .................................................................... 55

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FACTOR (M) ........................................................ 56

SAMPLE SCORING .......................................................................................... 59

CATEGORY E: UNCONVENTIONAL .......................................................................... 60

CATEGORY E CHALLENGE ................................................................................ 60

COMPETITION SETUP ........................................................................................ 60

GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS .................................................................. 61

RULES ON FLYING MACHINE ............................................................................ 61

FREE-STYLE PERFORMANCE RULES .............................................................. 62

AIR RACE RULES ................................................................................................ 63

PRESENTATION SEGMENT ............................................................................... 64