News Summary
A team of over 75 engineering students at the University of California, Irvine, is building a full-scale replica of the Curtiss JN-4 ‘Jenny’ biplane. This project, in partnership with the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, aims to honor Marine Corps Aviation history while providing students hands-on engineering experience. Supported by the Quilter Family Foundation and led by graduate students, this initiative reflects UCI’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement in historical military aviation.
Irvine, California – A team of over 75 engineering students at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is collaborating to construct a full-scale replica of the World War I Marine Corps biplane, the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny.” This initiative is a significant project in partnership with the upcoming Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, expected to open in early 2027 at Irvine’s Great Park. The project aims to honor the rich history of Marine Corps Aviation and provide students with practical experience in engineering.
The project is part of UCI’s broader educational approach, where students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) benefit from over 20 interdisciplinary project courses each term, engaging 300 to 400 students. These courses emphasize hands-on experience, preparing students to address real-world engineering challenges through collaboration and application of theoretical knowledge.
The initiative to build the JN-4 replica was facilitated by a partnership established by retired Brigadier General Michael J. Aguilar and former UCI MAE Department Chair, Professor Roger Rangel. Dr. Glenn Roquemore, who has previously served as the president of Irvine Valley College for 18 years, currently holds position as the Secretary and Education Committee Chair of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and is leading the execution of this project.
The construction of the aircraft is supported by the Quilter Family Foundation, which provided essential aircraft components and design plans. Students in the MAE department are making use of modern technology, including 3D scanning and printing techniques, to create lightweight components for the biplane. Despite the comprehensive efforts in crafting this replica, it will not be FAA-approved for flight.
Graduate students Silvia Tinelli and Stuti Patel are overseeing the project as managers, while Professors David Copp and Jacqueline Huynh serve as advisors. This structure allows students to immerse themselves in project planning, delegate roles, and foster teamwork and collaboration, which are crucial skills in engineering professions.
The UCI engineering program prioritizes experiential learning through various initiatives, such as establishing a new Office for Experiential Learning and an engineering makerspace. These facilities enhance students’ opportunities to engage with real projects and connect with industry professionals through design reviews, co-op placements, and internships.
In addition to the significant biplane project, UCI MAE students participate in varied engineering projects, ranging from rockets and race cars to autonomous drones, underwater vehicles, medical devices, satellites, and aircraft. Local industries, along with professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), support these projects, offering mentorship and funding.
The students’ efforts on the biplane will culminate in a historical exhibit at the museum, with the OX-5 engine displayed separately beneath the completed aircraft. This project not only enhances the students’ practical skills but also reinforces UCI’s commitment to community engagement and the preservation of historical military aviation.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum will serve as a tribute to the legacy of Marine Corps aviation and the craftsmanship of UCI’s engineering students, who are being prepared to tackle the complex challenges of the engineering world as they prepare for their future careers.
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