The GT BADGER is a single-pilot, highly maneuverable, intermeshing rotorcraft system specifically designed for the purpose of promoting a rotorcraft category in future red bull air races. The GT BADGER takes its name from the infamous honey badger, a fearless animal who despite its size and misleading figure, is described as the most fearless creature in the entire animal kingdom.

Although stereotypical intermeshing system designs have been considered to be sluggish and for heavy liftting purposes, such as KAMAN's K-MAX, the GT BADGER breaks this stereotype by a long shot.  It possesses high maneuverability qualities while maintaining a minimal weight and power, making it capable of completing an obstacle course efficiently and quickly.  This configuration became an effective racer through several iterations within the design process focusing on maneuverability and agility.  Because the Badger was designed with these qualities in mind, it is an effective racing rotorcraft.  Not only does the GT BADGER meet the requirements posed by the challenge, but it also successfully outperforms the competition.

The team was an international alliance between Georgia Tech and Middle East Technical University.  Advisors include Dr. Daniel Schrage from Georgia Tech and Dr. Yavrucuk from Middle East Technical University.  The team competed against institutions from all over the world including Israel Institute of Technology, India Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Maryland.  This design challenge was sponsored by Sikorsky Aircraft.  Juan Pablo Afman and Eliya Wing will be representing Georgia Tech at the AHS International Forum in Phoenix, AZ this coming May 2013, where they will present Georgia Tech's 1st rotary wing pylon racer.

For more information regarding the challenge, visit here.