Taking off into the future: TU Dresden launches flying real-world laboratory for climate-friendly aviation at 26th March 2026

The climate-friendly transformation of aviation is one of the key challenges of our time. The Technical University of Dresden (TUD) is now setting a groundbreaking milestone in this area: on 26 March 2026, the new TUD research aircraft, which was procured by the Institute of Aerospace Engineering (Chair of Aircraft Engineering) and the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology at TU Dresden, will be officially launched at Kamenz Airport.

This aircraft functions as a ‘flying real-world laboratory’ and offers a unique platform for testing innovative, sustainable propulsion technologies and lightweight construction concepts under real flight conditions. The project is a prime example of the close interdisciplinary cooperation at TUD.

Special guests at the opening

The event starts at 4 p.m. and will be opened by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Maik Gude (ILK). We're looking forward to some inspiring speeches from prominent figures in politics, science and the region, including:

• Robert Denk, Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft, Kultur und Tourismus (SMWK)
• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Niels Modler, Prorektor Bildung der TU Dresden
• Dr. Romy Reinisch, Beigeordnete im Landkreis Bautzen
• Prof. Spiros Pantelakis, Honorary Chairman des European Aerospace Science Network (EASN)

Hands-on technology and regional networking

The technical highlight of the afternoon will be a detailed presentation of the research aircraft by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Markmiller from the Institute of Aerospace Engineering (ILR), who will explain the technical possibilities and planned research priorities.

Afterwards, from around 5.30 p.m., the focus will shift to the Saxon aviation industry. Successful regional companies will present their innovations in industry pitches. The evening will conclude with a get-together and evening snack, providing an opportunity for networking and discussions between researchers and practitioners.

Key details of the event:

• Date: 26 March 2026
• Time: 4 p.m. to approx. 7 p.m.
• Location: Kamenz Airport, Zum Tower 6, 01917 Kamenz

Registration for the event

Due to limited space, prior registration is essential. 
https://eveeno.com/tudflug

© SMWA Sachsen

The aircraft was purchased as part of the FoFlu project (Flying Test Laboratory for Fossil-Free Propulsion Systems), financed by European Union subsidies and tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon state parliament (Sächsische Aufbaubank – SAB).