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(10 partners) on the way to the cabin of the future
What will the cabin components of the future look like? In the research project LiBio (Lightweight Bionic Aircraft Interior), an international consortium, with partners from Germany, Austria, and Canada, delved into this exact question. Their goal: the development of a pioneering and functional cabin component. We spoke to Dr. Patrick Cordes and Dr. Jan-Ole Kühn from the ZAL Advanced Manufacturing Team to understand what this means.
READ MOREEnhancing Efficiency: Automated Testing in Decentralized, Intelligent Cabin Networks
In the joint research project VERDIKA (German acronym for: Vernetzte Digitale Kabine/Connected Digital Cabin, funded by BMWK), ZAL developed a new approach to reduce development time and the effort required for integration and testing. The focus here was on ...
READ MOREFlying Prototype
Together with the Hessian drone manufacturer Wingcopter, we successfully conducted the maiden flight of our jointly developed hydrogen-powered drone. What makes it special: the hydrogen-fueled prototype took off for the first time under real conditions from an airfield near Stade.
READ MOREAll about AI
What role does AI play today and in the future in aviation? And to what extent are AI applications safe enough for the safety-conscious aviation industry? These questions were the focus of a week dedicated to AI at ZAL. In three events, experts presented insights into the current state of research, current use cases, and forecasts for future applications.
READ MOREiPREFER – Bringing Sustainability to Series Production
Fuel cells play a key role on the path to sustainable aviation. By the year 2035, the first commercially operated hydrogen-powered aircraft should be ready on the runways. However, there are still some challenges to overcome before reaching this point. Fuel cells (FC) are complex systems, and their design and production are quite demanding. To ensure that aircraft can take off in the future with these innovative propulsion systems, FC systems must be available in sufficient quantities and at appropriate production costs.
READ MOREFuture-Ready Cabins: ZAL Endpoint Family
Cabin digitization has not advanced as much as passengers and airlines wish. There is a significant need for tools that facilitate the digital transformation of the cabin. To address this, we have developed the Endpoint family.
READ MOREZAL Science Slam: About Cat Games and Hydrogen
This year's audience favorite was the slam by Sebastian Altmann. His contribution on hydrogen thoroughly dispelled common misconceptions about the dangers of hydrogen. Hydrogen is no more dangerous than the fuel gasoline, just "different." And a fact that may have been new to many: Hydrogen is a component of margarine.
READ MOREDrones as Key Players? ZAL GmbH Showcases H2 Drone at National Aviation Conference 2023
The National Aviation Conference 2023 brought together high-ranking political figures and leading players in the aviation industry. The event title "Aviation: Sustainable and Innovative" was not only the credo of the speakers on stage: ZAL GmbH presented a delivery drone converted to hydrogen by the manufacturer Wingcopter.
READ MOREZAL Topping-Out Ceremony: Construction Workers and Researchers Celebrate ZAL Expansion!
Just in November, the foundation stone was laid for the 8,000 square meter extension. Now, a little over six months later, construction workers and researchers are celebrating the traditional topping-out ceremony together. There is great anticipation and excitement among all parties involved. The progress of the construction now clearly reveals what will soon be completed: new hangar space and laboratories for collaborative research, conference rooms, and offices.
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