FAQ #396
Micro Class 2027: Drag article attachment mechanism

Last Updated On 9/14/2026 10:53:20 AM by

talmadge33

Question
Are there any constraints on how you attach drag articles? It says they must be attached with a quick release - are we allowed to modify the CAD to add a quick release mechanism? Do those modifications need to be purely additive?

If we are allowed to modify the CAD with regards to the attachment mechanism, is that counted towards the minimum weight of the Drag Article?

How does SAE define "quick-release mechanism"?
Answer
You may build/grow onto the two attachment datums in the CAD file. Purely additive. Additive material counts towards the minimum weight of the Drag Article as long as that material/mechanism remains part of the detached drag article.

The attachment mechanism must maintain the orientation of the drag article throughout flight. Each article specifies a forward orientation that must face the airflow.

Generally, "quick release" means 5 seconds or less and no tools. However, for this competition, we don't define "quick release" other than to require all drag articles and internal payload to be unloaded with the one minute time limit after a successful flight. In other words, you have quite a bit of freedom for year 1 of this rule set.
No Attachments
Rule Numbers
2027:2027.9.3.2 
2027:2027.9.4.3.1 
2027:2027.9.4.3.3