What is the Navy's Next Jet Competition?

The Navy's Next Jet Competition aims to engage students and classrooms in STEM education and inspire creativity by inviting them to design the Navy's next jet. This competition seeks to foster interest in aviation, engineering, and innovation while providing participants with the opportunity to tour NAWCAD's squadron(s) and experience Naval Aviation up close.

By the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in partnership with the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

The Navy's Next Jet Competition is open to students in elementary, middle, and high schools across Southern Maryland’s St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles County areas. Participants may enter as individuals or as a team, with a maximum of five students per team. Educators or organization leaders must supervise classroom submissions.

Participants are tasked with designing the Navy's next- generation jet aircraft. Designs should include detailed specifications, features, and capabilities of the proposed jet. Submissions must include a written description and visual representation (i.e. drawing, digital rendering, or model, etc.) of the jet. See Contest Rules and Submissions Requirements for details.

PROJECT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS


Component 1 - Project Report

  1. Submit online via https://forms.gle/Fqw5xJRPpM84Gz8L6 
  2. Cover Page
    • Title: Navy's Next Jet Competition
    • Project Name
    • Do NOT include participant name(s) on the write-up that you will be attaching via the electronic form.
    • Grade Level
    • School Name
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Executive Summary
    • Design Overview
    • Key Features and Capabilities
  5. Aircraft Design
    • Description of the Aircraft's Exterior Appearance
    • Specifications (Dimensions, Weight, Wingspan, etc.)
    • Features and Functionalities

Component 2 - Visual Representation

  1. Drawing(s), Digital Renderings
    • Upload a maximum of 4 high-resolution photos, each under 10MB
    • GIF file 3MB - 5MB
    • JPEG file between 3MB – 6MB
    • PNG file between 4MB – 9MB
  2. 3D Models (Optional)
    • Packaging: Models must be individually packaged in a plastic container labeled with the cover page information.
    • Delivery: An email will be sent to students with 3D models that provides delivery details.

Component 3 - Authorization

  1. Upload a parent/guardian signature to authorize the submission and use for media/publicity.

One winner will be selected from each of the three categories: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Designs will be evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, innovation, and adherence to the theme. A panel of judges comprising Naval Aviation experts will review and select the winning entries.

The winning participants or teams will earn a tour of NAWCAD's squadron(s) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland to be scheduled in coordination with the squadron. The prize includes a guided tour of NAWCAD's squadron(s), including the opportunity to see aircraft up close, meet test pilots, and experience a flight simulator. Additionally, the winning design will be featured on Naval Aviation’s official channels and recognized as an honorary concept for future Naval Aviation development. The winning designs will also be displayed in an exhibit at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and showcased during the 2026 Naval Air Station Patuxent River Air Show.

Competition Launch: February 9, 2026

Submission Period: February 16 – March 13, 2026                   

Judging Period: March 16 – April 3, 2026

Winner Announcement: April 13, 2026

General Terms

Participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of these contest rules and terms. NAWCAD reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not comply with the rules or fail to meet the submission requirements. NAWCAD reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the competition at any time, for any reason, without prior notice.

Ownership and Usage Rights

By submitting an entry, participants grant the Navy permission to use their designs for promotional and educational purposes. Participants retain ownership of their designs but grant the Navy non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to reproduce, distribute, and display the designs in any media or format.

Promotion and Publicity

By entering the competition, participants consent to their names and submissions being featured in promotional materials, press releases, and media coverage related to the Navy's Next Jet Competition.

By participating in the Navy's Next Jet Competition, participants agree to abide by these rules and terms and acknowledge that their submissions may be used by the Navy for promotional and educational purposes.

For inquiries or assistance regarding the Navy's Next Jet Competition, please contact NAWCAD’s Strategic Education Office at [email protected].

The Navy's Next Jet Competition is open to students in elementary, middle, and high schools across Southern Maryland’s St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles County areas. Participants may enter as individuals or as a team, with a maximum of five students per team. Educators or organization leaders must supervise classroom submissions.

Participants are tasked with designing the Navy's next- generation jet aircraft. Designs should include detailed specifications, features, and capabilities of the proposed jet. Submissions must include a written description and visual representation (i.e. drawing, digital rendering, or model, etc.) of the jet. See Contest Rules and Submissions Requirements for details.

PROJECT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS


Component 1 - Project Report

  1. Submit online via https://forms.gle/Fqw5xJRPpM84Gz8L6 
  2. Cover Page
    • Title: Navy's Next Jet Competition
    • Project Name
    • Do NOT include participant name(s) on the write-up that you will be attaching via the electronic form.
    • Grade Level
    • School Name
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Executive Summary
    • Design Overview
    • Key Features and Capabilities
  5. Aircraft Design
    • Description of the Aircraft's Exterior Appearance
    • Specifications (Dimensions, Weight, Wingspan, etc.)
    • Features and Functionalities

Component 2 - Visual Representation

  1. Drawing(s), Digital Renderings
    • Upload a maximum of 4 high-resolution photos, each under 10MB
    • GIF file 3MB - 5MB
    • JPEG file between 3MB – 6MB
    • PNG file between 4MB – 9MB
  2. 3D Models (Optional)
    • Packaging: Models must be individually packaged in a plastic container labeled with the cover page information.
    • Delivery: An email will be sent to students with 3D models that provides delivery details.

Component 3 - Authorization

  1. Upload a parent/guardian signature to authorize the submission and use for media/publicity.

One winner will be selected from each of the three categories: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Designs will be evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, innovation, and adherence to the theme. A panel of judges comprising Naval Aviation experts will review and select the winning entries.

The winning participants or teams will earn a tour of NAWCAD's squadron(s) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland to be scheduled in coordination with the squadron. The prize includes a guided tour of NAWCAD's squadron(s), including the opportunity to see aircraft up close, meet test pilots, and experience a flight simulator. Additionally, the winning design will be featured on Naval Aviation’s official channels and recognized as an honorary concept for future Naval Aviation development. The winning designs will also be displayed in an exhibit at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and showcased during the 2026 Naval Air Station Patuxent River Air Show.

Competition Launch: February 9, 2026

Submission Period: February 16 – March 13, 2026                   

Judging Period: March 16 – April 3, 2026

Winner Announcement: April 13, 2026

General Terms

Participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of these contest rules and terms. NAWCAD reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not comply with the rules or fail to meet the submission requirements. NAWCAD reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the competition at any time, for any reason, without prior notice.

Ownership and Usage Rights

By submitting an entry, participants grant the Navy permission to use their designs for promotional and educational purposes. Participants retain ownership of their designs but grant the Navy non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to reproduce, distribute, and display the designs in any media or format.

Promotion and Publicity

By entering the competition, participants consent to their names and submissions being featured in promotional materials, press releases, and media coverage related to the Navy's Next Jet Competition.

By participating in the Navy's Next Jet Competition, participants agree to abide by these rules and terms and acknowledge that their submissions may be used by the Navy for promotional and educational purposes.

For inquiries or assistance regarding the Navy's Next Jet Competition, please contact NAWCAD’s Strategic Education Office at [email protected].