A group of engineering students from the University of Kansas placed third in the Aero Design West competition held by the Society of Automotive Engineers in Fort Worth, Texas.

Their radio-controlled aircraft carried a maximum of 16.9 pounds, Rick Hale, associate professor of aerospace engineering and project adviser, said.

The team attempted to carry 18 pounds but a landing gear problem disqualified them, he said.

Construction on the plane began in January. The design for the craft was developed by Kyle Hunt, Wamego senior and project manager.

Students have done well in the competitions in the past and Hale expected the group to rank high again this year.

"We've typically done very well in the design competition, but it's more hit or miss with test flights," he said.

Flight tests determined only half the team's score. The other half came from the team's written report and a 15-minute presentation.