Project e-Sling

Project e-Sling
The Project

Development of a 4-seated electric aircraft

For 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 drive train developed in-house. By extending the wings on both sides, the range was increased to 180 km. The electric aircraft is currently in the flight test phase and is regularly in the air. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

maximal Power

110 kW

Battery Capacity

44 kWh

Range

180 km

Cruise Speed

185 km/h

Energy Density

196 Wh/kg

Battery

Capacity: 44kWh
Mass: 224 kg
Number of Cells: 2394

Motor

Power (max): 110kW
Power (cont.): 75kW
Mass: 42 kg

Extended Wings

Range: 180 km
Span: 10.5 m
MTOW: 950 kg
Cruise Speed: 185 kph

October 2022
Rollout-Event

We were proud to present our achievements of the last two years in front of a large audience at our rollout event.

September 2022
First Flight!

After two years of intensive development and research, our plane finally takes off from the runway in Dübendorf for the first time!

Mai 2022
The plane taxis

The installation was successful and the final tests will be carried out on the aircraft from now on. A performance profile was defined for the maiden flight, which will serve as a reference for the tests. In addition, we were able to do a small lap on the Innovation Park!

March 2022
Conversion to the aircraft

After validating new components such as the DC-DC converters and software updates, the team is ready to install the electric powertrain back into the aircraft.

January 2022
Final test in the test stand

The overall system has been successfully tested. The aim has been to improve the electromagnetic compatibility between components and to achieve tests at a power of 100kW.

September 2021
Continuation of the focus-project

In the continuation of the focus-project 2021, ETH students are completing the e-Sling Project Alpha and at the same time working on an extension of the battery package with a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell in the so-called Project H2.

September 2020 -May 2021
Implementation focus-project

Over the course of 8 months, 12 ETH mechanical and electrical engineering students implemented the ETH e-Sling focus project. This was done in collaboration with project partners, sponsors and other supporters.

The picture shows the project status as of 10 March 2021.

June 2020 - September 2020
Production Aircraft Structure

The revised aircraft structure was manufactured by Sling Aircraft and delivered to the ETH in Switzerland via air transport. In parallel, the e-Sling team acquired project partners and sponsors and made further organisational preparations for the project.

October 2019 - May 2020
Preliminary work e-Sling Project Alpha

As part of the preparation, the 4-seat Sling TSi from Sling Aircraft was classified as particularly suitable. Due to its efficiency, the wingspan of the Sling TSi was extended from 9.5m to 10.5m. For this purpose, Alexander Weiser travelled to South Africa and developed the modified aircraft structure on site at Sling Aircraft. At the same time, partners were sought for a possible cooperation and further framework conditions were created.

November 2018 - June 2019
Base research in e-Aviatics

For five months, two ETH mechanical engineering students, Nicolai Solenthaler (3rd from right) and Alexander Weiser (2nd from right), conducted scientific research into electro-aviation in an exchange with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and other partners. As part of their bachelor theses, they developed a concept for an electric aircraft with 6 seats, a new type of electric drive and a range of up to 600 km.