ILAWAVE - In-flight live atmospheric wind measurementand model validation for optimisation of electric flight

Since the 1920s, upwinds have been used in gliding to cover ever greater distances without propulsion. The research field of sustainable flying, electric flight and atmospheric-based route optimisation, which among other things investigates the influence of these updrafts, is becoming increasingly relevant today. The clever use of atmospheric movements offers the possibility of increasing the efficiency and range of electrically powered aircraft.

In the ILAWAVE project, a 5-hole probe is being added to the Stemme S10-VTX research aircraft of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. This makes it possible to determine the atmospheric movements and the energetic state of the aircraft and to make it usable for further applications. The interdisciplinary project covers the entire development process of an aerospace system. In addition to the design of the payload fairing made of fibre composite material, the construction, as well as the testing and calibration of the measuring device, it also involves the integration of the measuring device into the aircraft, the planning and execution of flight tests and finally the certification of the entire extension according to aviation law criteria.

Through this, the project offers the students extensive opportunities to apply and deepen their knowledge from the various subject areas. The addition of a 5-hole probe to the Stemme S10-VTX test platform provides students of the faculty with a long-term extension suitable for a wide range of projects to record flight and measurement data as part of the flight test practicals and flight measurement weeks carried out during their studies.