Flying Prototype

All 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.

iPREFER – 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.

ZAL 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.

Drones 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.

Sounds perfect: Aircraft Cabin of Tomorrow

ZAL 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.

ZAL and H3 Dynamics Join Forces on Hydrogen Aviation Research

ZAL GmbH and H3 Dynamics, a Singaporean technology scale-up, have signed a MoU to collaborate on projects developing hydrogen use in aviation and advanced air mobility in Hamburg at ZAL TechCenter. The signing took place during the Paris Air Show by ZAL’s CEO Roland Gerhards and Taras Wankewycz, founder and CEO of H3 Dynamics.

Renewal of the partnership between ZAL and CRIAQ

We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZAL GmbH and CRIAQ (Consortium de Recherche et d'Innovation en Aérospatiale au Québec) at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget. The objective of this cooperation agreement is to facilitate cross-border research and technology projects in the aerospace industry. Under this agreement, ZAL and CRIAQ will work together to promote research and innovation between aerospace industry professionals, universities and research centers. Together, we will expand networking events, coordinate public-private funded R&T projects, and engage in forward-looking activities.

Would you fly AI? How to certify AI Systems

In der Luftfahrt gibt es große Hoffnungen für Künstliche Intelligenz (KI). Potenzielle Anwendungen reichen von der Erkennung von Landebahnen bis zum Autopiloten der Zukunft. Weitere Anwendungsbereiche könnten die Planung von verbrauchsoptimierten Flugrouten oder die visuelle Qualitätskontrolle während der Flugzeugmontage sein. Um jedoch in der Luftfahrt eingesetzt zu werden, müssen Verfahren entwickelt werden, um KI-Systeme zu zertifizieren und damit ihre Sicherheit nachzuweisen.