Aircraft Design

The field of investigation Aircraft Design is dedicated to the design and construction of manned and unmanned aerial systems in addition to the classic preliminary aircraft design.

Research fields

Analytical Aircraft Design

The aim is the improvement of the statistical preliminary draft tools and the development of new design approaches.

Further Information

Manned Aircraft Projects

This topic deals with the development, construction, and testing of trendsetting light plane projects. The focus lies on the combination of eco-efficient concepts with alternative propulsion technologies. The solar aircraft ‘icaré’ and the battery powered aircraft ‘e-Genius’ are used by the Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB) for the practical testing of both alternative propulsion and energy storage technologies.

Further Information

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

The research group ‘UAS’ conducts research on the design and construction of fixed-wing and helicopter UAVs, development of avionics, system integration and professional flight test planning and execution. The biggest UAVs realized until today are ‘VELA2’, ‘NACRE’ and ‘AMPAIR’.

Further Information

Publications

Journals/Books

  1. 2022

    1. Mangold, J., Silberhorn, D., Moebs, N., Dzikus, N., Hoelzen, J., Zill, T., & Strohmayer, A. (2022). Refueling of LH2 Aircraft---Assessment of Turnaround Procedures and Aircraft Design Implication. Energies, 15(7), Article 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072475
    2. Moebs, N., Eisenhut, D., Windels, E., van der Pols, J., & Strohmayer, A. (2022). Adaptive Initial Sizing Method and Safety Assessment for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft. Aerospace, 9(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9030150
    3. Lay, J., Bender, A., & Strohmayer, A. (2022). Layout and testing of a serial hybrid electric powertrain for a light twin demonstrator platform. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1226(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1226/1/012068

  2. 2021

    1. Bergmann, D. P., Denzel, J., Pfeifle, O., Notter, S., Fichter, W., & Strohmayer, A. (2021). In-flight Lift and Drag Estimation of an Unmanned Propeller-Driven Aircraft. In Aerospace (Vol. 8). https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8020043
    2. Eisenhut, D., Moebs, N., Windels, E., Bergmann, D., Geiß, I., Reis, R., & Strohmayer, A. (2021). Aircraft Requirements for Sustainable Regional Aviation. Aerospace, 8(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8030061
    3. Pfeifle, O., Notter, S., Fichter, W., Paul Bergmann, D., Denzel, J., & Strohmayer, A. (2021). Verifying the Effect of Wingtip Propellers on Drag Through In-Flight Measurements. Journal of Aircraft, 37(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C036490

  3. 2020

    1. Filipenko, M., Plötner, K., Kaiser, J., & Strohmayer, A. (2020). Elektrifizierung in der Luftfahrt für einen nachhaltigeren Flugverkehr. Physik Journal, 19, Article 19.

  4. 2019

    1. Bergmann, D., Denzel, J., Baden, A., Kugler, L., & Strohmayer, A. (2019). Innovative Scaled Test Platform e-Genius-Mod - Scaling Methods and Systems Design. Aerospace, 6(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6020020

  5. 2017

    1. Geiß, I., & Voit-Nitschmann, R. (2017). Sizing of fuel-based energy systems for electric aircraft. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 231(12), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954410017721254
    2. Geiß, I., & Voit-Nitschmann, R. (2017). Sizing of the energy storage system of hybrid-electric aircraft in general aviation. CEAS Aeronautical Journal, 8(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13272-016-0220-5
    3. Strohmayer, A. (2017). Unmanned Aerial Systems -- Auslegung, Einsatzbereiche und operative Rahmenbedingungen. DVW-Schriftenreihe, 86, Article 86.
    4. Molter, C., & Cheng, P. W. (2017). Propeller Performance Calculation for Multicopter Aircraft at Forward Flight Conditions and Validation with Wind Tunnel Measurements. In 9th International Micro Air Vehicles Conference and Flight Competition.

  6. 2016

    1. Strohmayer, A. (2016). Im Elektroflug über die Alpen und darüber hinaus. Ingenieursspiegel, 1, Article 1.

  7. 2014

    1. Voit-Nitschmann, R., & Keilig, T. (2014). Q3:~Luftfahrzeuge. In H. Dubbel, J. Feldhusen, & K.-H. Grote (Eds.), Dubbel (pp. 69--103). Springer.

  8. 2010

    1. Schmollgruber, P., Gobert, J.-L., Gall, P.-E., Goraj, Z., Jentink, H. W., Näs, A., & Voit-Nitschmann, R. (2010). An innovative evaluation platform for new aircraft concepts. The Aeronautical Journal, 114(1157), Article 1157. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0001924000003936

Conference Proceedings

  1. 2023

    1. Mangold, J.; Eisenhut, D.; Brenner, F.; u. a. „Preliminary hybrid-electric aircraft design with advancements on the open-source tool SUAVE“. In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2526 (1) S. 012022 doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2526/1/012022.
    2. Eisenhut, D.; Mangold, J.; Moebs, N.; u. a. „Case study on hybrid-electric aircraft designs enabled by an enhanced SUAVE version“. In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2526 (1) S. 012019 doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2526/1/012019.
    3. Brenner, F.; Mangold, J.; Eisenhut, D.; u. a. „Deriving a year 2040 reference aircraft from a modern turboprop, implemented and calibrated in SUAVE“. In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2526 (1) S. 012009 doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2526/1/012009.
    4. Moebs, N.; Reis, R.; Windels, E.; u. a. „Development of the initial certification and technology roadmap for the FUTPRINT50 framework“. In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2526 (1) S. 012015 doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2526/1/012015.
    5. Eissele, J.; Lafer, S.; Mejía-Burbano, C.; u. a. „FUTPRINT50 Academy -- Aircraft Design Challenge 2022: Development of a hybrid-electric regional aircraft“. In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2526 (1) S. 012020 doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/2526/1/012020.

  2. 2022

    1. Mangold, J.; Brenner, F.; Moebs, N.; u. a. „Aircraft Design Implications of Alternative Fuels for Future Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft Configurations“. In: Proceedings of  the 9th European Conference for Aerospace Sciences. Lille, France, 27 June - 1 July, 2022. doi: 10.13009/EUCASS2022-7294.

  3. 2021

    1. Pfeifle, O.; Frangenberg, M.; Notter, S.; u. a. „Distributed Electric Propulsion for Yaw Control: Testbeds, Control Approach, and Flight Testing“. doi: 10.2514/6.2021-3192.
    2. Moebs, N.; Eisenhut, D.; Bergmann, D.; u. a. „Selecting figures of merit for a hybrid-electric 50-seat regional aircraft“. In: IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 1024 S. 012071 doi: 10.1088/1757-899x/1024/1/012071.
    3. Eisenhut, D.; Windels, E.; Reis, R.; u. a. „Foundations towards the future: FutPrInt50 TLARs an open approach“. In: IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 1024 (1) S. 012069 doi: 10.1088/1757-899X/1024/1/012069.

  4. 2020

    1. Bergmann, D.; Denzel, J.; Pfeifle, O.; u. a. „In-Flight Thrust Measurement and Drag Estimation of an Unmanned Propeller Aircraft“. 10th EASN Virtual International Conference on \grqqInnovation in Aviation & Space to the Satisfaction of the European Citizens\textquotedbl.
    2. Geiß, I.; Strohmayer, A. „Operational Energy and Power Reserves for Hybrid-Electric and Electric Aircraft“. Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress. doi: 10.25967/530149.
    3. Schneider, J.; Frangenberg, M.; Notter, S.; u. a. „Integration of propelled yaw control on wing tips. A practical approach to the Icaré solar powered glider“. Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress.
    4. Denzel, J.; Bergmann, D.; Strohmayer, A. „Identification of the flight performance of the e-Genius-mod“. 9th EASN International Conference. Athens, Greece.
    5. Strohmayer, A. „New Challenges in Aircraft Design - from urban air mobility to zero emission air transport“. 8. Fachkongress Composite Simulation. Fellbach.
    6. Strohmayer, A. „Future Propulsion and Integration: towards a hybrid-electric 50-seat regional aircraft“. Workshop EU-funded Aviation Research on Hybrid-Electric Aircraft. Brussels, Belgium.

  5. 2019

    1. Strohmayer, A. „Electric flight for a more sustainable aviation“. european energy innovation Winter 2019, pp. 46-47. Hertfordshire, England.
    2. Strohmayer, A. „Elektrisches Fliegen: wann wird es zum Alltag? Auswirkungen auf die Gesellschaft?“. 8. Kaminabend Acentiss GmbH. Stuttgart.
    3. Bergmann, D.; Denzel, J.; Pfeifle, O.; u. a. „Wing Tip Propeller Technology Testing with UAS -- Concept of Pod and In-Flight Measurement System“. 9th EASN International Conference. Athens, Greece.
    4. Strohmayer, A. „Aircraft design for electric flight“. Innovative Summer School. Nottingham, UK.
    5. Pfeifle, O.; Fichter, W.; Bergmann, D. P.; u. a. „Precision performance measurements of fixed-wing aircraft with wing tip propellers“. AIAA AVIATION Forum. Dallas, USA.
    6. Bergmann, D.; Denzel, J.; Strohmayer, A. „Free-Flight test platform e-Genius-Mod, Motivation for test platform, Introduction LuFo-Project ELFLEAN“. UAV Flight Test Convention. Hamburg.

  6. 2018

    1. Bergmann, D. P.; Denzel, J.; Strohmayer, A.; u. a. „UAS as flexible and innovative test platform for aircraft configuration and systems testing“. In: MATEC Web of Conferences. 233 S. 00001 doi: 10.1051/matecconf/201823300001.
    2. Strohmayer, A. „The challenge of accelerating impact of academic aviation research for increased competitiveness of the European Aeronautics: the EASN approach“. 8th EASN-CEAS Workshop on Manufacturing for Growth and Innovation. Glasgow, Scotland.
    3. Strohmayer, A. „New Trends  in Aircraft Design  and  their Implications on  Structures and  Materials“. ICEAF V - 5th International Conference of Engineering Against Failure. Chios, Greece.
    4. Geiß, I.; Notter, S.; Strohmayer, A.; u. a. „Optimized Operation Strategies for Serial Hybrid-Electric Aircraft“. Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, AIAA AVIATION Forum. Atlanta, USA.
    5. Strohmayer, A. „EASN Proposal for an Open Innovation Test Platform“. EASN Open Workshop on accelerated impact of academic aviation research for improved air transport for all European citizens. Brussels, Belgium.
    6. Strohmayer, A. „Elektrisches Fliegen - Was bedeutet das für den Flugzeugentwurf?“. 25. Kolloquium Luftverkehr. Darmstadt.

  7. 2017

    1. Schumann, L. „Hybrid-Elektro-Pendlerflugzeuge - eine geeignete Anwendung im kommerziellen Luftverkehr“. e$^2$-Symposium - Emissionsfreies und elektrisches Flugsymposium. Stuttgart.
    2. Strohmayer, A. „A European Aeronautics Science Network - The EASN~Association“. Aerospace Symposium 2017 - Manufacturing for Growth. Glasgow, Scotland.
    3. Strohmayer, A.; Geiß, I. „Eco4: Hybridelektrische Viersitzflugzeuge der neuen Generation“. e$^2$-Symposium - Emissionsfreies und elektrisches Flugsymposium. Stuttgart.
    4. Strohmayer, A.; Geiß, I. „Power management of hybrid-electric propulsion chains“. 5th More Electric Aircraft Conference. Hamburg.
    5. Lay, J. „Hybridisierungskonzepte mit der heutigen Technologie“. e$^2$-Symposium - Emissionsfreies und elektrisches Flugsymposium. Stuttgart.
    6. Molter, C.; Cheng, P. W. „Optimal Placement of an Airflow Probe at a Multirotor Uav for Airborne Wind Measurements“. European Rotorcraft Forum 2017. Milan, Italy.
    7. Strohmayer, A. „The Effect of Wing-tip Propulsors on ICARÉ 2 Aeroelasticity“. 7th EASN international conference: Innovation in European Aeronautics Research. Warsaw, Poland.
    8. Lay, J. „Hybrid-Electric Flight -- what are we waiting for?“. 7th EASN International Conference. Warsaw, Poland.
    9. Strohmayer, A. „Turning Icaré II into a test platform -- will the modifications affect aeroelasticity?“. 7th EASN International Conference. Warsaw, Poland.
    10. Molter, C.; Cheng, P. W. „Propeller Performance Calculation for Multicopter Aircraft at Forward Flight Conditions and Validation with Wind Tunnel Measurements“. 9th International Micro Air Vehicles Conference and Flight Competition. Toulouse, France.
    11. Strohmayer, A. „Electric Flight at University of Stuttgart“. Seminar, Beijing Institute of Technology. Bejing, China.

  8. 2016

    1. Strohmayer, A. „Aircraft design for hybrid-electric flight“. Electric & Hybrid Aerospace Technology Symposium. Cologne.
    2. Strohmayer, A. „Innovative Emerging Trends: A Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator Aircraft in the Commuter Category“. CAPPADOCIA Workshop, 6th EASN International Conference. Porto, Portugal.
    3. Strohmayer, A. „Flugzeugentwurf für den Luftverkehr von morgen“. KOLLOQUIUM Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik. Stuttgart.
    4. Strohmayer, A. „Electric Flight - New ideas for tomorrow’s air transportation“. Symposium E2 -Fliegen. Stuttgart.

  9. 2015

    1. Lay, J.; Schumann, L.; Geiß, I.; u. a. „Electric and Hybrid Aircraft - Current Research at the University of Stuttgart“. 10th AirTec. Munich.
    2. Strohmayer, A. „Elektrisches Fliegen - Neue Ideen für den Lufttransport von morgen“. Wissensforum Rathaus: Samstags-Uni. Stuttgart.
    3. Schumann, L. „Elektroflug im praktischen Einsatz“. e$^2$-Symposium. Stuttgart.

  10. 2014

    1. Geiß, I.; Voit-Nitschmann, R. „Dimensionierung des Energiespeichers hybrider Elektroflugzeuge“. Deutscher Luft- und Raumfhartkongress. Augsburg.
    2. Schumann, L.; Middendorf, P. „FVK in der allgemeinen Luftfahrt - Leichtbau am Beispiel des Elektroflugzeugs e-Genius“. SAMPESymposium Deutschland 2014. Stuttgart.
    3. Schumann, L. „e-Genius auf den Green Speed Cup 2013“. IDAFLIEG Wintertreffen. Stuttgart.

  11. 2013

    1. Schumann, L. „Electric Aircraft research - two years of flying e-Genius“. Electric aircraft symposium. Santa Rosa CA.
    2. Schumann, L. „Massenreduktion durch Weglassen - Theoretische Baukonzeptuntersuchung“. IDAFLIEG Wintertreffen. Hannover.
    3. Schumann, L. „Flugleistungsvermessung des e-Genius“. IDAFLIEG Wintertreffen. Hannover.
    4. Beilstein, L.; Arnold, M.; Rudolph, S. „Methodische Darstellung der Relativität von Optimalbegriffen im Flugzeugvorentwurf am Beispiel von Flugzeugpanels“. DLRK. Stuttgart.

  12. 2012

    1. Schumann, L. „Flight Testing of the e-Genius aircraft“. Airbus e-Genius Day. Toulouse.
    2. Dolezal; Kittmann; Senner; u. a. „Collecting geo-referenced data for agricultural purposes with an UAS“. 3rd International Conference on Machine Control &  Guidance. Stuttgart.

  13. 2011

    1. Kittmann; Breeman; Schmollgruber, P. „The NACRE Innovative Evaluation Platform and its Navigation -  Control Strategies“. SAE 2011 AeroTech Congress. Toulouse.

  14. 2010

    1. Goraj; Kittmann; Voit-Nitschmann, R.; u. a. „Design and integration of Flexi Bird - a low cost sub scale research aircraft for safety and environmental issues“. 27th International congress of the aeronautical sciences. Nice.
    2. Beilstein; Drechsler, K.; Rudolph, S. „Gewichtsabschätzungen von geklebten und geschweißten Strukturverbindungen im Flugzeugvorentwurf“. DLRK. Hamburg.
    3. Rudolph, S.; Fuhr, J.-P.; Beilstein „A validation method using design languages for weight approximation formulae in the early aircraft design phase“. EUCOMAS. Mannheim.

  15. 2008

    1. Trittler; Fichter, W.; Voit-Nitschmann, R.; u. a. „Preliminary System Identification of the Blended Wing Body Flight Demonstrator VELA2 from Flight Data“. AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference. Honolulu.
    2. Kunze; Wellhausen, C.; Leistner; u. a. „Entwicklung von Faserverbund-Hohlbauteilen in RTM-Bauweise am Beispiel eines Traglenkers von Passagierflugzeugtüren“. Proc. Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress. Darmstadt.

  16. 2007

    1. Drechsler, K.; Friedrich „Wege zur kostengünstigen Fertigung von Hochleistungsverbundstrukturen in innovativen Fahrzeugkonzepten“. Handelsblattsymposium „ Werkstoffe und Fertigungstechnik, Technologien und Bauweisen“. Stuttgart.
    2. Voit-Nitschmann, R.; Schumann, L.; Geinitz „HYDROGENIUS: FLYING WITH HYDROGEN“. Workshop of Aircraft System Technologies AST 2007. Hamburg.
    3. Beilstein; Drechsler, K. „A methodology of weight prediction for joints in aircraft design“. SAWE. Madrid.

Head of Aircraft Design

This image shows Andreas Strohmayer

Andreas Strohmayer

Prof. Dr.-Ing.

Head of Department Aircraft Design

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