Deutsche Aircraft is setting a course for a more sustainable era in aviation by developing a dedicated flight test laboratory to investigate future propulsion technology and emerging energy sources. In conjunction with research and government institutions such as the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), the objective is to achieve low-emission flight.

By leveraging the strength of the D328® airframe, this initiative will enable flight test maturation of key technologies and contribute directly to future commercial applications.

Government-backed Initiatives for Sustainable Aviation

Germany’s Federal Government is an active supporter of ventures that aim to minimise carbon emissions and the environmental impact of air travel. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) funds numerous research and technology development projects through its LuFo Klima Civil Aviation Research Programme.

The objective of LuFo Klima is to strengthen innovation and expertise in research, development and production, propelling the aviation industry towards carbon neutrality and climate compatibility with the long-term goal of creating a sustainable, economical and efficient air transport system.

This research programme aims to develop technologies for the climate-neutral aviation system of the future with a focus on integrated research and technological competitiveness.

Many of Deutsche Aircraft’s projects focusing on future flight technologies are co-funded by the BMWK and include significant contributions from project partners.

Objectives of the LuFo Klima Civil Aviation Research Programme

- Support Germany’s State and Federal strategic goals towards achieving climate-neutral aviation.

- Work hand-in-hand with industrial partners, universities and research institutions within the industry to develop systems and technologies that enable a sustainable aviation future.

- Gather experimental data on low and zero emission ground and flight operation.

- Obtain first-hand knowledge of airframe integration challenges to guide current and future aircraft design.

- Develop in-house expertise on emerging technologies to mitigate risks associated with technology selection and integration.

D328ALPHA: Pioneering Next-Generation Propulsion Systems

The objective of the D328ALPHA programme is to explore and develop technologies aimed at reducing emissions. This one-off modification of the D328® airframe will be used to evaluate, refine and flight-test promising innovations in sustainable aviation.

By developing a modular flight test aircraft with an initial focus on 1.5MW class electric propulsion systems, powered by an onboard liquid hydrogen fuel cell system, this will mature relevant technologies to Technical Readiness Level 6.  

In September 2023, the D328ALPHA technology demonstrator was presented at the E2FLIGHT Emission Free and Electric Flight Conference organised by the DLR and the University of Stuttgart, highlighting its significance in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.

An extensive wind tunnel test campaign was completed in October 2023, providing valuable insights into the aerodynamic integration of the next-generation propulsion system. Tests conducted over a 9-week period evaluated parameters such as propulsive power, stability, control and performance across different flight scenarios. The results will allow Deutsche Aircraft to refine their engineering flight simulator.

D328® UpLift: Trailblazing Disruptive Technology for Climate-Friendly Aviation

The UpLift project demonstrates industry-wide cooperation toward carbon-neutral aviation, with the D328® serving as a catalyst for research into alternative propulsion systems.

In collaboration with the DLR and the BDLI, Deutsche Aircraft will leverage its expertise as an aircraft manufacturer to convert the D328® into a testbed for the research of cutting-edge propulsion, fuel and system technologies under real flight conditions. Funded by a grant from the BMWK, the UpLift project is poised to accelerate innovation and drive forward advancements in sustainable aviation.

As part of experimental campaigns to measure CO2 emissions, the UpLift test laboratory will be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems and temporarily modified engines that are capable of running on sustainable fuels, bridging the gap between research and practical application. This is a unique opportunity to test disruptive approaches in the development of new propulsion systems including hybrid-electric concepts and novel fuels, and these far-reaching, universally usable basic modifications will accelerate research and development towards near carbon neutral  flight.

The versatility and efficiency of the D328® is a perfect match for the UpLift initiative. Certified under EASA’s CS-25 (Large Aeroplanes) specifications, the turboprop entered into service in 1991 and is an ideal platform for evaluating innovative propulsion technologies due to its superior performance, robustness and design characteristics. This aircraft is still an integral part of many regional fleets around the world, which will also provide valuable reference values for the evaluation of new technologies.

"The UpLift flying test laboratory is a key industrial policy project for climate-friendly flying and Germany's sustainable development,” says Dr. Anna Christmann, Coordinator for Aerospace Policy of the German Federal Government. “It is crucial that the laboratory is made available to all our industrial partners. This is an important strategic step towards testing measures for climate-neutral flying under real conditions."

The contract was signed at the 2023 Paris Air Show and the new livery was unveiled at the National Aviation Conference in Hamburg in September 2023. In June 2024, the UpLift project will make its debut at ILA Berlin, the leading aerospace trade fair in Germany and Europe.

“The path towards climate-neutral flights is a joint effort between the whole aviation ecosystem,” remarks Dr. Jasmin Eberharter, Head of Research and Technology programs at Deutsche Aircraft. “With UpLift, experts have a significant opportunity to join forces across science and industry, further contributing and accelerating sustainable aviation.”

CAvIA LuFo Project

On 1 January 2024, the "CAvIA" federal aviation research programme was launched, supported by federal funding of around 1.42 million Euros. As the joint leader of this project, Deutsche Aircraft is investigating flight operations with just one pilot, as well as energy-optimised trajectories. The aim of the project is to make aviation more environmentally friendly through the use of intelligent avionics.

While the recent launch of the CAvIA project marks another pivotal step forward, the rigorous testing for the D328ALPHA continues and the conversion of the UpLift flight lab is well on its way. These remarkable advancements represent significant milestones in our pursuit of climate-neutral flights and the maturation of aviation technology for tomorrow.

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