Glob­al re­search for cli­mate-neu­tral avi­a­tion

"Aviation is an integral part of our society and global mobility. It contributes to intercultural exchange and creates economic growth," says DLR Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics, Markus Fischer. "In order to maintain and expand this unique service to society in the face of climate change, aviation is undergoing one of the most extensive transformation processes in its history, which requires the effort of all involved in its research and development. In this context, it is particularly important that we systematically take the effects of carbon dioxide and other substances into account to achieve the goal of climate-neutral aviation by the middle of the century."

At this year's ICAS Congress, which took place for the first time since 2018, the 900 participating researchers from 35 countries intensively discussed the most promising technological possibilities towards climate-neutral aviation for various aircraft sizes and applications. New aircraft configurations and alternative propulsion system concepts were among the core topics. An essential question at the congress concerned the appropriate use of green hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Here, stakeholders must consider the differences in energy efficiency and technical feasibility of both energy sources. With this in mind, DLR presented the topics of climate-neutral aircraft design and sustainable fuels in the congress exhibition area. In addition to reducing carbon dioxide footprints, SAF also offers the prospect of reducing the effects from other substances, in particular the climate impact of contrails. Electricity-based fuels (power-to-liquid; PtL) make it possible to produce SAF in large quantities using renewable energies, water and carbon dioxide. Optimised flight paths offer further potential to reduce the climate impact of global aviation.

IFAR is represented at ICAS 2022

Aviation is a global system. As such, it requires intensive international cooperation to find common answers to the challenges posed by climate change. Representing the international exchange of leading aviation research organisations, the International Forum for Aviation Research (IFAR) presented aspects of these joint efforts at the DLR stand and in conference sessions. IFAR represents a total of approximately 35,000 scientists at 26 aviation research institutions worldwide. DLR, as a founding member since 2011, is represented on the management team and serves as the executive secretariat. Since 2014, IFAR has been represented at the ICAS Congress as a partner. IFAR has been cooperating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) since 2020.

Presentation of the winning concept of the DLR Design Challenge

As winners of this year's DLR Design Challenge, the team of students from the University of Stuttgart were invited to the ICAS Congress 2022 to present their award-winning concept for the INFERNO firefighting aircraft. The design allows a fleet of firefighting aircraft to optimally interact with each other as well as with units on the ground, maximising the amount of water delivered to the burning region within 24 hours.

The conference offered extensive opportunities for young professionals to experience the current state of aviation research and to network. For example, the Speed Mentoring format was held once again. Here, aspiring engineers were able to learn about personal development possibilities and career opportunities from representatives from industry and research in addition to the regular conference programme.

Exchanging expertise in the age of digitalisation