Flying test laboratory for climate-friendly aviation: TU Dresden inaugurates research aircraft

Research Aircraft Enables Testing of Innovative Propulsion Systems in Real Flight Operations – Media Invited to Inauguration on March 26 at Kamenz Airfield

On March 26, 2026, the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) and the Institute of Aerospace Engineering (ILR) at Technische Universität Dresden will present their research aircraft to the public for the first time at Kamenz Airfield. With the FoFlu project, a flying testbed for the investigation of fossil-free aviation propulsion systems is being established.

The platform is based on a Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP, a twin-engine special mission aircraft designed for research and survey operations. With an endurance of up to approximately ten hours and a payload capacity of more than 1.5 tonnes, the aircraft provides ample space for scientific measurement systems and experimental propulsion components. Its modular design allows for the flexible integration of various technologies, which can be tested and analyzed during real flight missions.

The focus lies on new fossil-free propulsion systems, including electric, hydrogen-based, and hybrid concepts. These can be tested and compared under identical operating conditions in flight. At the same time, energy systems, sensor technologies, and structural components can be analyzed in an integrated manner. The operational and performance data obtained will help advance technologies from laboratory research toward practical application.

Kamenz, located in the Lusatia region, is developing into a key hub within a growing aviation cluster in eastern Germany. The research aircraft is also part of the OST4Aviation initiative, which aims to establish a strong aviation research region in eastern Germany. The goal is to better connect expertise from research, industry, and technology development and to generate new momentum for climate-friendly aviation.

Invitation to Media Representatives

Journalists are cordially invited to attend the official presentation of the research aircraft.

The event will begin on March 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Kamenz Airfield, Zum Tower 6, 01917 Kamenz. It will be opened by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Maik Gude (ILK). Following welcoming remarks from representatives of politics, science, and the region, the research aircraft and its technical capabilities will be presented. The platform presentation will be given by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Markmiller (ILR).

Media representatives will have the opportunity to speak with the researchers involved, as well as to take photos and film footage of the research aircraft on site. Prior registration is requested via ilk-communication@tu-dresden.

The research aircraft is operated within the project FoFlu – Modular Research Aircraft as an Experimental Platform for Investigating Future Fossil-Free Propulsion Systems in Real Flight Operations. The project is funded by the European Union and the Free State of Saxony under the JTF InfraProNet program.