Pilot project for sustainable aviation
Zühlke supports ETH in the development of the e-Sling, the first 4-seater electric aircraft in the world. In this way, ETH aims to conduct pioneering technical basic research for electric propulsion in the aviation industry.
Executive Summary
- Development support for safety-critical components (aircraft propulsion)
- Know-how transfer and talent development
- Zühlke contributes to improving sustainability in the aviation industry
Ambitious goal setting
Aviation currently relies to a large extent on fossil fuels. Global air traffic is therefore responsible for a considerable proportion of total CO2 emissions. ETH wants to counteract this trend and electrify a 4-seater electric aircraft with a modular battery system. In this way, ETH aims to conduct pioneering technical basic research for electric propulsion in the aviation industry.
Zühlke is know-how sponsor
The university involves project partners, sponsors and other supporters. Zühlke supports the ETH team with its know-how. Expert knowledge was needed, especially for safety-critical aspects, to verify and second-hand check self-developed components. Zühlke support included reviews of architecture, code, hardware, and user experience, FEM analysis of the wings, advice on avionics cabling assembly, calibration of instruments and natural frequency analysis as well as the analysis of the test stand.
Roll-out in eight months
In just eight months, the project team succeeds in electrifying the Sling TSi powered aircraft. This pioneering achievement is intended to lead aviation into a sustainable future. With the further development of battery technology, electric aviation offers interesting economic prospects in the medium to long term. ETH is deepening the knowledge required for this with an alliance of industrial partners, thereby strengthening Switzerland as a business location.
