to pave the way toward an innovative and CO2-neutral future with the e-Sling.
As the youngest pilot at the time to fly solo around the world, Carlo Schmid had a vision to make aviation more sustainable. Together with ETH, he initiated a focus project for innovative propulsion systems – marking the birth of a fully electric, battery-powered aircraft. What started as an idea soon became reality, giving rise to the e-Sling project.
From the first sketch to the finished product – we design and develop everything ourselves, in close collaboration with leading industry partners. As a focus project, we enjoy the unique freedom to explore new technologies that often remain out of reach for commercial industry. It is precisely this independence that enables us to drive true innovation and redefine the future of aviation.
In October 2022, after more than two years of intensive development, we celebrated the successful first flight of the e-Sling. This initial time in the air was not only a technical milestone, but also a moment filled with euphoria, pride, and excitement for the entire team. It was proof that bold ideas and innovative engineering can shape the future of aviation.
Over a period of two years (2020–2022), 20 ETH mechanical and electrical engineering students worked on the development of the e-Sling as part of a focus project. The aircraft kit, based on the Sling TSi, was equipped with a modular battery system and a self-developed propulsion system. The electric aircraft is now nearing the end of its flight testing phase and is regularly taking to the skies.
Emissions
Range
Flight time
At our rollout event we could proudly present our achievements of the past two years in front of a big audience.
After two years of intensive developing and research our aircraft finally takes off from the runway in Dübendorf for the first time!
After weighing and static thrust measuring the e-Sling is allowed to enter the ground of the Dübendorf airport for the first time for its first high speed taxi tests.
After the final validation of new components like the DC-DC transducer and the integration of various software components, the team is ready to assemble the electric powertrain back into the aircraft.
After a lot of blood and sweat the entire system has been tested successfully. The aim was to improve the electromagnetic compatibility between components and to test at a performance of 100 kW.
In the follow up to the focus project 2021 ETH students complete the e-Sling and work on an extension of the battery package with a hydrogen fuel cell, marking the beginning of the project H2.
After weeks of work the entire aircraft structure has been assembled, and the e-Sling was presented with a new foliation.
Bit by bit the components of the system have been arriving in Dübendorf and the assembly of the powertrain has begun.
Over a period of 8 months 12 ETH mechanical and electrical engineering students have been working on the first e-Sling project. The project is realised in collaboration with project partners, sponsors and further support.
The revised aircraft structure was manufactured by Sling Aircraft and was delivered to Switzerland via air transport. At the same time the team acquired project partners and sponsors and took care of further organisational preparations for the e-Sling project.
During the preparations for the e-Sling project the 4 seated Sling TSi from Sling Aircraft has been classified as particularly suitable. The wingspan has been increased from 9.5m to 10.5m due to a higher efficiency. Alexander Weiser therefore travelled to South Africa and together with Sling Aircraft they developed the modified aircraft structure. At the same time the team was looking for partners for a potential cooperation and worked on further project frame conditions.
support us in various ways, ensuring that our dreams don’t remain mere aspirations but can be turned into reality.
Wir wollen nicht nur innovative Antriebstechnologien entwickeln, sondern auch Studierenden die Chance geben, echte Praxiserfahrungen zu sammeln und aktiv zur klimaneutralen Zukunft beizutragen.
Technical Lead
Wir wollen nicht nur innovative Antriebstechnologien entwickeln, sondern auch Studierenden die Chance geben, echte Praxiserfahrungen zu sammeln und aktiv zur klimaneutralen Zukunft beizutragen.
Technical Lead
Wir wollen nicht nur innovative Antriebstechnologien entwickeln, sondern auch Studierenden die Chance geben, echte Praxiserfahrungen zu sammeln und aktiv zur klimaneutralen Zukunft beizutragen.
Technical Lead
