After all, forecasts predict that the global aircraft fleet will double in size over the next 20 years. In order to ensure the future viability of the air transport system, it is therefore vital to significantly reduce the negative impacts. As such, research into alternative propulsion systems is set to play a key role in aviation.

Electric flight promises great potential

To this end, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is conducting research into hybrid-electric aircraft, which could constitute an important building block for future aviation. Electric flight opens up completely new possibilities for drastically reducing pollutant emissions from aircraft, as well as significantly reducing noise pollution. In addition, electric engines make completely new aircraft configurations possible, which should further reduce fuel consumption and thus emissions. Overall, electric aircraft have the potential to fundamentally change mobility, as quiet, clean means of transport pave the way for flying shuttle services directly from city centres to the nearest large airport.

DLR is researching the vision of electric flight

DLR is the only large-scale research institution in Europe that is in a position to study all aspects of electric flight and address the questions that are yet to be answered. To that end, DLR is conducting research into different propulsion technologies – from initial concepts and simulations all the way through to their integration into new aircraft configurations. At the same time, the researchers are investigating how this will impact the overall air transport system, looking at the expected effects for travellers, airlines and airports.

In response to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, one of the most important goals for future aviation is to be able to use electric propulsion systems for freight and passenger aircraft.