Khalifa University Team AERONYX Clinches First Place at 2026 Al Ain IMAC Gulf Cup International Competition
Khalifa University’s Team AERONYX recently achieved first place at the Al Ain International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) Gulf Cup Open International Competition 2026. The team, consisting of four Aerospace Engineering students, received a cash prize of AED 60,000 as part of their recognition in this event, which is affiliated with the International Radio-Controlled (RC) Aerobatics Competition.
Team Members and Aircraft
The students presented their aircraft, named ‘Raven,’ which was entirely designed and constructed by themselves. The team members, Hamad Almaeeni, Mohammad Alhashmi, Bashayer Alhammadi, and Alyazia Alkhemeiri, excelled by meeting all mission objectives and demonstrating advanced engineering competencies. They were under the mentorship of Dr. Rafic Ajaj, an Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering.
Competition Overview
The IMAC UAE organized this competition, which featured 86 professional participants from 26 countries, alongside more than 20 participating organizations. The event took place from February 6 to February 8, 2026, and included activities such as precision aerobatics, freestyle performances, STEM workshops, and family-friendly events. Additionally, a Pilots’ and Judges’ Boot Camp was held to enhance participants’ skills in Aresti aerobatic symbols, electronic judging, aircraft setup, and scoring methodologies.
Competition Categories
The competition comprised three categories: ‘Know Flights,’ based on IMAC-issued aerobatic programs; ‘Unknown Flights,’ featuring fresh aerobatic routines presented to pilots only the night prior; and ‘Free Style Flight,’ in which pilots develop their own four-minute programs accompanied by music of their choice.
Team AERONYX’s Achievements
Team AERONYX successfully fulfilled all mission criteria, showcasing their technical expertise and knowledge in aircraft design. Their aircraft, ‘Raven,’ had previously earned international recognition by placing 37th out of 112 teams at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design/Build/Fly Competition in Tucson, Arizona, where lessons learned facilitated enhancements for competitive performance in Al Ain.
Mentor’s Remarks
Dr. Rafic Ajaj remarked on the team’s accomplishment, noting the exceptional dedication to innovation displayed by the students and their ability to thrive in competitive engineering settings both regionally and internationally. He expressed pride in Team AERONYX, highlighting their commitment, technical proficiency, and collaborative spirit, which align with the university’s mission to foster future leaders capable of addressing academic and real-world engineering challenges.
(Source: Khalifa University)
