Scale model with distributed electric propulsion makes its maiden flight
On the 2nd of May 2024, a scaled version of a large passenger aircraft with distributed electric propulsion undertook its maiden flight. Further testing will follow to qualify and measure its dynamic flying behaviour, aimed at understanding the advantages of this Distributed Electric Propulsion technology for large passenger aircraft. TU Delft is one of the partners in this Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking project. Researchers of our Flight Performance and Propulsion Group, including Assistant Professor Flight Performance and Propulsion, Maurice Hoogreef, Graduate Researcher Malcom Brown, former colleague Nando van Arhem – who now works as the Aerodynamics Lead Engineer at Vaeridion - and Full Professor Flight Performance and Propulsion Leo Veldhuis, worked on its propeller design and wing integration. Partners of the project are Airbus, NLR, ONERA, CIRA and TU Delft supported by Orange Aerospace.
