High-tech on board
“With the research aircraft, we are closing the crucial gap between theory and practical application,” says Prof. Maik Gude from the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology at TU Dresden. “Sustainable aviation is not just about the engine, but about the holistic integration of propulsion systems into the aircraft.” The new research aircraft is far more than just a test platform, adds Prof. Johannes Markmiller from the Institute of Aerospace Engineering. “It is the key to unlocking the enormous potential of fossil-free propulsion systems and making the vision of climate-neutral aviation a reality.”
The aircraft is a twin-engine Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP, designed for research and survey missions. Interchangeable housings, known as pods, can be mounted on the nose, fuselage and wings. They contain high-tech sensors and camera systems. This allows researchers to measure precisely how propulsion, structure and energy systems interact during flight. The aircraft can remain airborne for up to ten hours, enabling extensive measurements under real conditions.