Get involved and help shape the aviation of tomorrow!

DLR Design Challenge

First place in the DLR Design Challenge 2025: RWTH Aachen's ASCLERA
ASCLERA is a medical evacuation aircraft and air ambulance that can transport up to 15 patients over a distance of 2500 kilometres. Its design is based on a powerful twin-engine turboprop aircraft featuring modern landing flaps and flight control systems for smooth and safe operation, even on short, high-altitude runways. Its modular cabin can be quickly reconfigured, with an elliptical fuselage offering extra space. Double doors and a rail-based loading system allow for swift boarding and the flexible transportation of patients with different medical needs.
Image: 1/11, Credit:

RWTH Aachen/ASCLERA

First place in the DLR Design Challenge 2025: FH Aachen's AETHER
AETHER is a versatile twin-engine turboprop rescue aircraft for transporting up to 19 patients. The cabin layout is highly flexible, featuring a modifiable design with quick-change rails and drop-pin seat rail adapters that allow for speedy reconfiguration to suit different mission requirements. A large rear door makes it possible to load patients quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing waiting times in emergency situations. Boasting a simple and reliable twin-engine propulsion system, AETHER flies on sustainable aviation fuel.
Image: 2/11, Credit:

FH Aachen/AETHER

'HELESA' of the University of Stuttgart
An innovative concept for a supersonic aircraft – an environmental successor to Concorde as it were – was presented by a team from the University of Stuttgart and awarded third place. The concept 'HELESA' proposes a long-stretched aircraft with distinctive variable forward swept wings.
Image: 11/11, Credit:

Universität Stuttgart

  • Even while studying, help steer aviation technology in new directions with your very own ideas.
  • Create designs for climate-compatible flight using new propulsion systems, sustainable energy sources and innovative aircraft concepts – without losing sight of economic viability.
  • The DLR Design Challenge calls on students from German universities: take on the challenge and develop your ideas for the aviation of tomorrow!

Motivation and goal

Aviation is undergoing a profound transformation. The simultaneous – and at times seemingly contradictory – goals of climate compatibility, economic efficiency, safety and passenger comfort demand radically new technologies as soon as possible. This is precisely where the DLR Design Challenge comes in: an annual competition for students to design forward-looking aircraft concepts.

What matters most is a coherent overall concept that tackles current, complex questions in aircraft design. The specific mission changes each year, based on the latest challenges in aviation. In recent years, these have included hydrogen-powered aircraft, parcel delivery drones, and supersonic aircraft with significantly reduced environmental impact.

X-Design: demonstrator of the future

DLR Design Challenge 2026

Help us take the next step in aviation. Develop an innovative, feasible concept for a flying testbed to demonstrate future aviation technologies!

DLR Design Challenge

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

With this list, we would like to provide answers to possible questions about the annual DLR Design Challenge.

What's in it for participants

  • Real-world experience with professional support: You will go through the aircraft design process from A to Z under realistic conditions. DLR mentors will be available for technical exchange and guidance.
  • Applying and expanding your knowledge: You will consolidate your practical knowledge and expand on what you have learned during your studies.
  • Strengthening your soft skills: You will enhance your communication, organisational and teamwork skills by working in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Enjoyment and recognition: You can expect exciting challenges, enjoyment in collaborative work and official recognition of your achievements – including a DLR certificate of participation, for example for use in job applications.
  • Networking and insights: You will gain exclusive insight into DLR’s aeronautics research institutes and have extensive opportunities to network. In addition, you will receive an invitation to DLR sites in Braunschweig and Hamburg for the kick-off and final events.
  • Genuine expert feedback: Under the guidance of the Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics, Dr Markus Fischer, you will receive expert feedback on your concept from a DLR jury.
  • Visibility and appreciation: You will be mentioned by name in a DLR press release and in other communication channels.

Competition outline

 

Registration phase

Registration for the DLR Design Challenge takes place via the relevant department at each university. Interested students can sign up individually or as an already formed team, usually up to two weeks* before the kick-off event, via their department.

Kick-off event

The opening event takes place in March* of the respective year at a DLR site. In addition to general information about the Design Challenge and a detailed thematic introduction by experts in aeronautics research, the event is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss specialist topics and network.

Project work

Development of aircraft designs, including the preparation of reports, renderings, videos and presentations, takes place over several months. During this period, teams are mentored by DLR experts. The project work phase closes with submission of the reports.

Assessment of submissions

Concepts are assessed by a panel of DLR experts based on the documentation submitted. This panel comprises the Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics and relevant institute directors, based on the submissions.

Closing event

Teams present their concepts at a closing event held in August* at a DLR site, which is rounded off by a site tour and networking opportunities. The event concludes with the panel's final assessment of the designs and an award ceremony.

Presentation of results

Winning teams get the opportunity to present their aircraft design concepts at prestigious aeronautics conferences.

* View the current schedule for the Design Challenge 2026 here.

News

Loading

Contact

DLR Design Challenge

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics
Hein-Saß-Weg 22 c/o ZAL TechCenter, 21129 Hamburg