"Cleared for Take Off!"

(© TU Berlin/F3)

(© TU Berlin/F3)

(© TU Berlin/F3)

(© TU Berlin/F3)

(© TU Berlin/F3)

472.5 kilograms, two seats, and a range of 1100 kilometers: The Institute of Aerospace Engineering at TU Berlin has its own aircraft for research and teaching, the "LASER" (Light Aircraft for Science, Education and Research), for the first time in 30 years. After extensive ground and in-flight acceptance tests, it was delivered in January 2019 and is now available to the university.

"We can design our own aircraft according to our wishes. We were able to have special measurement devices, cable ducts, and mounting brackets manufactured during the aircraft construction and now use them. With a borrowed model, this would be unthinkable," says Bastian Göbel, research associate at the Department of Flight Guidance and Air Traffic. He is also the pilot of the aircraft. Even during operation, LASER can be technically adapted to the respective research projects and can therefore be used by various departments for research purposes. Extensive measurement equipment can be installed in the cabin and in two external payload compartments below the wings. The developed systems can be tested quickly and cost-effectively because approval procedures in this aircraft class are waived.

Its low operating costs also make the aircraft interesting for use in student projects or teaching. "We want to inspire students with this aircraft about aviation and air traffic, but also practically demonstrate procedures that are important for flight operations," explains Göbel. During flight operations, Göbel is supported by two other institute employees. They had obtained a pilot license for ultralight aircraft during the manufacturing process and are now allowed to fly LASER as well.

Currently, LASER is stationed at Oehna Airfield in southern Brandenburg. The ultralight aircraft of the Peregrine SL type, manufactured by Fläming Air, was financed through TU internal research funding and contributions from the departments of "Flight Guidance and Air Traffic" and "Aircraft Construction and Light Engineering." In addition to a already committed EU research project, numerous research proposals are being developed in which the aircraft will be used. For example, the Department of Flight Guidance and Air Traffic is developing systems and operational procedures that enable the simultaneous and safe use of drones and general aviation aircraft in the same airspace. Besides the institute's operations, the aircraft is generally open to all departments of TU Berlin, including those outside the aviation field, for purposes such as aerial photography.

Further Information

The Institute of Aerospace Engineering took over TU Berlin's Instagram account for a week. It provides insights into various departments of the institute and impressions from the inauguration of the LASER aircraft on March 29, 2019: https://www.instagram.com/tu_berlin/.