Innovating Aerospace for a Sustainable Future at TU Delft's Mobility Week
Key Ideas
- The Aerospace Innovation Hub at TU Delft is accelerating innovation in aerospace, providing opportunities for startups and students to connect with the industry.
- Startups like Elysian and VÆRIDION presented their projects, including an electric 90-seater plane and a fully electric plane for regional flights, showcasing advancements in sustainable aviation.
- AeroGridUAV developed a rotating-wing drone for surveillance and critical payload use cases, while student team AeroDelft is retrofitting a diesel airplane into a liquid hydrogen-powered one, aiming to fly next year.
- Perceptions about hydrogen as a future fuel are positive, with companies like zepp.solutions focusing on hydrogen mobility and the future potential of the industry.
Last week, as Schiphol and Eindhoven airports faced flight cancellations due to foggy weather, TU Delft's Mobility Week proceeded without interruptions, showcasing the Aerospace Innovation Hub. The hub, located within the faculty of aerospace engineering, serves as a platform for fostering innovation in aerospace by supporting startups and students to collaborate with the industry. Notably, startups Elysian and VÆRIDION unveiled their projects, including electric planes with sustainable features. Elysian's 90-passenger battery-electric plane is set to debut in 2033, emphasizing its efficiency over hydrogen-powered aircraft. VÆRIDION's fully electric Microliner targets short-haul flights, emphasizing collaboration within the hub for innovation. Additionally, AeroGridUAV introduced a rotating-wing drone for surveillance and critical missions, with plans for further technological enhancements. TU Delft's student team, AeroDelft, is working on converting a diesel aircraft into a liquid hydrogen-powered one, positioning themselves at the forefront of future aviation technology. The hub's partnership with companies like zepp.solutions highlights the positive outlook on hydrogen as the fuel of the future. Looking ahead, the hub anticipates a bustling year, offering new spaces for startups and enhancing support to propel innovative projects towards market success.