The SFD is part of the European Clean Sky 2 program and aims to test and develop disruptive technologies that will enable a significant reduction in the energy consumption of aircraft.
The wind tunnel tests were conducted at DNW. This provided a lot of useful measurement data. The engines were also tested in the DNW wind tunnel. Because the aircraft can be controlled remotely, the wind tunnel tests could be carried out quickly and effectively. DNW’s parent institute NLR is responsible for the construction and qualification of the SFD and designed the avionics itself. The design was made in collaboration with Orange Aerospace.
Click here to see a short video of the first flight of the SFD.