Project e-Sling
Development of a 4-seated electric aircraft
For two years (2019 - 2021), 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 drivetrain. By extending the wings on both sides, the range could be increased to 180 km. The electric aircraft is currently in the flight test phase and is regularly in the air.
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
We were proud to present our achievements of the last two years in front of a large audience at our rollout event.
After two years of intensive development and research, our plane finally takes off from the runway in Dübendorf for the first time!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
English 
German