Design team flies high state

The Baldwin High School Real World Design Team recently completed and won a challenge issued at state level to generate interested in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of career.

Seven students came together to form the team. They were Mason Johnson, Brandon Baltzell, Carson Barnes, Shelby Gregory, Austin Kraus, Carrie Deitz and Mac Halpin.

The challenge was issued in September and the team needed to design a jet engine tail to go with a given fuselage using computer software. The plane had to fly at 37,000 feet at a speed of 400 knots and balance lift, weight, thrust and drive.

In order to complete the challenge, the team had to work long hours with several mentors, using the same software that CESSNA uses to design their jets.

“What makes it (RWDC) different is that we are taking elements that have been mastered by professionals, and it is our job to bring all of those completed elements together to create the finished product,” Baltzell said.

Along with mentors from the KU Department of Aerospace Engineering, the team had help from Extended Learning sponsor Pam Davis, as well as parent and engineer Sandy Barnes.

Since the team won the state challenge, they have been invited to compete at the national level. A new challenge will be issued by RWDC and the team will complete the project to present in Washington, D.C. in March.

The team feels proud of their accomplishments and hopes to win the national competition as well.

“We finished fifth in the nation last year, but I know we are much better prepared than we were last year, so I am excited about the possibilities,” Davis said. “This project could not have been completed without some very dedicated team members that were willing to give up their personal pursuits for a while to benefit the team.”

The team will travel to the capital to compete against the other state winners March 26-28.

Story by Ann Wallsmith, BHS Journalism