Text Guy Leitch. Images Duncan Gillespie.

This year was the 30th year of Aero Friedrichshafen, a General Aviation expo for pilots and knowledgeable owners of planes. The organisers claim that a high percentage of the 27,200 visitors hold a pilot’s license.

With more than 650 exhibitors from 35 countries, 35,000+ attendees and 500+ journalists from all over the world, AERO Friedrichshafen once again maintained its focus on both traditional designs and future trends.

Unlike conventional airshows, AERO features static displays inside hangars, rather than flying displays, as for instance Oshkosh AirVenture does. Given the German weather, it is perhaps appropriate that the organisers were not relying on the gee-whizz crowd pull of an airshow.

The American based OEMs happily make the trip to support this expo. Cirrus, Textron, Piper, Garmin and Boeing subsidiaries Jeppesen and Foreflight were prominent. Gulfstream displayed their G500 and there was in interesting Bombardier Global with a Lesotho flag yet Malta registration.

The expo can be divided into specific categories and themes. Always of interest are new engines – either of the internal combustion (ICE) variety or electric. European daily life is marked by a pervasive concern about carbon emission reductions, sustainable fuel, and the technology that advances those goals. This is reflected in Aero’s dedication to tracking progress in alternative propulsion schemes.

This year marked the eleventh year that Aero dedicated exhibit halls to what it calls “e-flight expos.” There was a plethora of designs making use of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered airplanes—some of which are certified under EASA rules. This year’s e-flight expo had over 100 exhibitors.

There is a rich vein of new technology designs and pure research efforts. Technical universities in Germany and other European Union states sponsor programmes that allow students to learn the science behind electric and hydrogen propulsion. One large exhibit area showed off the work of students at six different German universities and Technikons.

Aero Friedrichshafen is all about the latest innovations and draws in the first movers and early adopters—from gliders to jets.

Engines

There is always an amazing variety of power plant ideas on view at AERO. One key trend is the need for power solutions using non fossil fuel sources, which is at a critical juncture in the European Union.

While the aerospace industry globally has agreed to decarbonize by 2050, as of now, the only answer on the market is the very limited two-seat electric trainer, the Pipistrel Velis Electro. Other non-carbon fuel planes nearing EASA certification are all on the motor glider and very light end of the scale.

Better range in larger and faster planes currently require hybrid power solutions, such as the joint Daher/Airbus/Safran EcoPulse demonstrator, which features six electric Safran motors distributed on a TBM’s wings, and a standard Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66D turboprop on the front end.  This project has logged 35 flights total, 14 of which have been flown on electric power. As it enters final testing the lessons learned will go into a new product, the EcoPulse.

Like full electrification, hydrogen has been slow to develop as a practical alternative. A choice must be made between the use of liquid and gaseous hydrogen. Further, it will require massive changes to the current airport infrastructure.

Also prominent this year was Turbotech’s lightweight 130 shp turbine. This is hot news because it can burn sustainable biofuel alternatives to JetA – and Avgas.

Aero is good for anticipating industry trends, the drag of regulation, and economic and cultural pressures. In several forums discussion continued from past years has taken on greater urgency.

In the short and medium term, however, the industry must move to unleaded Avgas in Europe as soon as January 2025, according to GAMA. Pressure on Avgas has triggered piston manufacturers such as Diamond and Tecnam to re-engine their fleets to burn JetA.

Tecnam introduced an upgraded version of its twin, the Tecnam P2006T NG. The Italian manufacturer has added an additional front door, larger windows, external access to the baggage compartment and an updated interior. Power is provided by twin Rotax 912iS engines for high altitude efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. A premium version with a leather interior is also available.

French aircraft manufacturer Elixir announced new production facilities in both France and the United States. The French site, the manufacturer’s third in France, will produce the composite fuselage and flight controls in Aytré. In addition, a reassembly plant will be located at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in Florida, intended for U.S. customers. A press release said, “The demand for Elixir aircraft in the American market is substantial, with over 200 units already pre-ordered.” It’s not cheap – prices range from $300,000 for the entry model powered by a Rotax 912iS engine to $400,000 for the more advanced version.

Austria-based Diamond announced its intent to produce its eDA40 for flight training. The aircraft is all-electric and based on the DA40. The company joined forces with Lufthansa Aviation Training and tested the eDA40 in “real training conditions” in Switzerland. The aircraft is powered by an “ENGINeUS” electric smart motor supplied by Safran, drawing power from an electric power systems battery module equipped with a DC fast charging system.

BRM Aero, the Czech Republic-based aircraft manufacturer of Bristell aircraft, and Switzerland’s H55, the technological spinoff of Solar Impulse, announced the B23 Energic. This two-seater is a fully electric aircraft “offering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability […] with a maximum take-off weight of 850 kg, 60 minutes of endurance, plus reserves, and an hour charge time,” according to a joint press release. The H55‘s propulsion and battery technology has received acceptance for the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Compliance Checklist, a significant step toward certification of the entire electric propulsion system.

Germany-based Elektra Solar presented its updated Elektra Trainer electric aircraft, recipient of the Innovation Award at AERO 2023 and certified as an ultralight. Charging modes include a solar trailer. This year’s model has long winglets for better aerodynamics, an integrated charger, thrust reversers, and a new instrument panel.

Continental introduced its newest Jet A piston engine, the CD-170R, specifically for rotorcraft applications. Combined with FADEC, this 170-horsepower, turbocharged engine offers lower fuel Thanks to FADEC and dual redundancy, it’s expected to burn 7.9 gallons of Jet A-1 per hour in cruise.

One of the repeat stars of the show was the side by side corrugated-skin Junkers A60. Following the tandem seat Junkers A50 Junior, updated from 1929, the A60 is another new design with retro looks. “We wanted to offer our customers side-by-side seating, versus the tandem seating on the A50,” said Alexander Jainsky, the Junkers salesman. “It’s about the joy of flying an extremely beautiful machine; a lifestyle,” explained Jainsky. Prices start around $260,000. The aircraft is powered by a Rotax 912iS, and has retractable gear. There is a choice of canopy including a convertible, open-air top.

Manpower

Challenges replacing human capital throughout the supply chain has translated into ongoing constraints in throughput of materials, parts, and final products, and increased the seemingly capricious nature of shortages and/or pricing issues.

Woman power remains a challenge, with OEMs still trying to attract the 50 percent of the population — women — that remains elusive. Cate Brancart, GAMA’s director for European safety and sustainability, said, “One of the biggest events that we have is Aviation for Girls.”

Advanced Air Mobility

A further key trend is advanced air mobility. The last mile will be tough, and placement of vertiports within communities isn’t going to be easy. The public perception is that electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft will provide luxury lift for the 1 percent.