The ILR and the ILK at TU Dresden are investing in a new research aircraft for research into climate-friendly aviation technologies

The Institute of Aerospace Engineering (ILR) and the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) are jointly investing in the future of emission-free aviation. The investment in the ultra-modern Diamond Aircraft DA62 MPP research aircraft will create a flying platform for testing innovative propulsion technologies under real-life conditions.

The DA62 MPP twin-engine light aircraft impresses with its long range, long flight duration and flexible payload capacity. It offers optimum conditions for use as a flying laboratory in which various technologies such as hydrogen storage, fuel cells and turbo generators can be tested in parallel.

The research aircraft is a key component of the ‘FoFlu’ (Flying Test Laboratory for Non-fossil Fuel Propulsion Systems) project, which aims to accelerate the development, integration and validation of climate-friendly propulsion technologies. The ability to test new systems directly in flight will significantly shorten the path from idea to market launch.

The aircraft will be stationed in Lausitz, where it will be used as part of the Smart Mobility Lab in Hoyerswerda. There it will not only be used for university research projects, but will also be available to small and medium-sized companies and partner institutions such as the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, TU Berlin and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). 

With the new research aircraft, TU Dresden is sending out a strong signal in favour of the sustainable transformation of aviation and at the same time strengthening the innovative power of the region. The flying platform enables practical research and promotes close collaboration between science and industry.